Uzbekistan to Study Creation of Media Ombudsman Institution

Uzbekistan plans to study the possibility of creating an independent media ombudsman institution to protect the rights of journalists and media workers. The measure was included in a plan to improve the country's position in the international press freedom ranking of the organization Reporters Without Borders.

The plan was approved by the Senate Kengash. The document also provides for the creation of an open electronic registry of administrative and criminal cases against journalists and bloggers — it will publish information on court decisions and verdicts.

According to the plan, by February 2027 the Prosecutor General's Office, the Supreme Court, the Interior Ministry and other responsible agencies must prepare information on cases against representatives of the media sphere. By May, this information is planned to be placed in a separate electronic registry and updated regularly.

In addition, the plan provides for studying cases of criminal prosecution of journalists who have been released from custody, and issues of restoring their rights.