Uzbekistan eases extremism laws but retains broad online controls

Uzbekistan has eased parts of its extremism legislation following criticism from UN rights experts, while retaining broad state powers over materials and organisations deemed extremist.

Lower penalties for first-time offences

The changes come after Tashkent moved earlier this year to expand its counter-extremism framework, including a broader list of offences linked to extremist and terrorist activity.

Under draft amendments reported in May, first-time offenders involved in preparing or storing materials deemed to threaten public safety could face administrative rather than criminal liability.

The amendments also introduced differentiated sentencing for organising, leading or participating in so-called “informal structures”, replacing a system under which all participants could face the same 10- to 15-year sentence.

Online blacklist continues to grow

Uzbekistan’s Supreme Court has continued to expand its blacklist of extremist and terrorist online materials. The Diplomat reported that the list grew from nearly 1,600 online entries in January 2025 to more than 1,800 by April 2026, with Telegram channels and posts accounting for the largest share.

Concerns over broad definitions remain

Rights groups have long warned that broad definitions of extremism can put religious expression and freedom of speechat risk of criminalisation. The latest changes appear to ease penalties for lower-level offences while leaving the wider enforcement framework in place.

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Uzbekistan extremism human rights United Nations Central Asia law Politics