ELECTRONIC EVIDENCE IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS IN RESPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN: CRITERIA OF ADMISSIBILITY AND PROBLEMS OF VERIFICATION
Keywords:
electronic evidence, digital evidence, admissibility criteria, criminal proceedings, Uzbekistan, digital forensics, verification problems.Abstract
This article examines the legal framework and practical challenges of utilizing electronic evidence in the criminal proceedings of the Republic of Uzbekistan. It focuses on the reforms introduced by Law No. ZRU-1003 of November 21, 2024, which formally defined “electronic data” and “digital evidence” and established strict admissibility criteria, including the mandatory participation of specialists and the preservation of data integrity. The study highlights significant verification problems, such as the volatility of digital environments, metadata loss, and the lack of standardized hashing protocols. Additionally, it reviews the latest 2025 Supreme Court Plenary guidance and discusses the prospects for harmonizing national legislation with international standards to ensure effective justice in the digital age.
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