Regulation of Blogger’s Activity in Uzbekistan: Implications for Freedom of Religion and Belief

with Mirakmal Niyazmatov, Lawyer and Co-Founder of Tashabbus

In September 2014, Uzbek government introduced amendments to the Law “On Informatization.” The amendments imposed vague restrictions on blogging. Uzbek bloggers are now prohibited from disseminating information inciting national, racial, ethnic or religious hatred, as well as denigrating the honor and dignity of citizens. Furthermore, the amendments oblige bloggers to verify the truthfulness of the information posted on their blogs. The Amendments are an extension to the 2007 Media Law, which defines websites as mass media and imposes onerous obligations on their owners.

Although the number of internet users is growing rapidly in Uzbekistan, it is unlikely that the citizens will engage in open discussion of such taboo topics like politics and religion. This is largely due to the Uzbek government’s deployment of new ways to strengthen state monitoring and censorship on the internet. The presentation will discuss the most problematic provisions of the recent Amendments and their impact on the right of Uzbeks to discuss sensitive issues related to religion and religious practice on the internet.

Mirakmal Niyazmatov is a lawyer and co-founder of Tashabbus. He holds an LL.B. from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy and an LL.M. and S.J.D. degrees from Notre Dame Law School.