Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has increased penalties for refusing to comply with lawful orders issued by officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Guard.

Under the amendments to the Administrative Responsibility Code, disobedience may now result in a fine of up to 12 million soums or administrative detention for up to 15 days.

The updated rules set fines ranging from 5 to 12 basic calculation units (BCUs) — equivalent to 2.06 to 4.9 million soums. Previously, the minimum fine was just 1 BCU. If the offense is repeated within one year after the initial penalty, the fine increases to 12–30 BCUs (4.9 to 12.3 million soums). In such cases, offenders may also face administrative detention of up to 15 days.

The law was passed by the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis on 21 January, approved by the Senate on May 28, and signed by the President on 31 July.