Important changes are being made to the legislation for prisoners in Uzbekistan who are serving their sentences but whose health has deteriorated. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
From now on, prisoners suffering from serious illnesses will undergo a complete medical examination in stationary conditions, and the procedure for releasing them from punishment will be more clearly defined. This was reported by norma.uz.
In medical institutions where sentences are being served, a doctor's conclusion is not sufficient for patients diagnosed with serious conditions. This diagnosis must also be confirmed by the chief inspector-doctor of the Medical Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
This measure aims to prevent hasty and incorrect decisions from being made. Prisoners with mental health issues will be placed under full stationary supervision in specialized hospitals or psychiatric departments.
They will be thoroughly examined not only physically but also psychologically. In each case, diagnosis and assessment will be carried out with the participation of specialists.
The decision to release a sick prisoner from punishment will be made in a court session. In this process, the prisoner, the prosecutor, and, if necessary, their defender and legal representative, the head of the presenting institution, representatives of the hospital and medical department, as well as the treating physician (a psychiatrist if the mental state is discussed) will participate.
If the court decides to release from punishment, the dissatisfied parties — the prosecutor, the prisoner, their representative, or defender — have the right to appeal or protest to a higher instance. These updates indicate a focus on revising the penal policy based on humanitarian principles.
Moreover, providing adequate medical assistance to individuals in serious conditions, ensuring justice, and respecting human dignity remain one of the state's priority tasks.
