The President of Uzbekistan has introduced a state of emergency in the territory of Karakalpakstan
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree on the introduction of a state of emergency in the territory of Karakalpakstan, his spokesman Sherzod Asadov said.
In his Telegram channel, he clarified that the decision was made in order to ensure the safety of citizens, protect their rights and freedoms, as well as restore law and order. The state of emergency will operate in Karakalpakstan from 00:01 July 3 to 00:00 August 2.
Residents will also be subject to a curfew from 21:00 to 07:00. Entry and exit from Karakalpakstan will be limited, all public events will be prohibited.
The day before, an illegal demonstration was held in the capital of Karakalpakstan, the city of Nukus, after a misinterpretation of constitutional reforms. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the country, people gathered on the territory of the central dekhkan market. Public order has now been restored.
Earlier, the President of Uzbekistan announced a constitutional reform. At the end of May, the parliament created a constitutional commission to develop amendments. At the end of June, a draft constitutional law on amendments was submitted to the legislative chamber, after which it was approved in the first reading and published for public discussion.
A nationwide discussion of the draft will take place until July 4, inclusive, after which the bill will be submitted to a referendum. The draft law provides for over 200 changes to 64 articles of the Constitution. Among them is an item on extending the term of office of the leader of the country from five to seven years, on the abolition of the death penalty, and on a ban on the extradition of citizens to other countries.
The current Constitution of Uzbekistan was adopted in 1992. It includes 128 articles. For all the time, amendments were made to the country’s basic law 15 times.
