Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  The government of Uzbekistan has approved a new regulation outlining the procedures for engaging and compensating lawyers who provide legal assistance funded by the state.

According to the document, state-funded legal aid refers to qualified legal support that is fully or partially financed by the government.

This assistance is provided in accordance with legal procedures and aims to protect the rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests of citizens.

The following categories of individuals are eligible for this assistance:

Low-income individuals involved in civil or administrative cases, or charged with administrative offenses punishable by administrative detention, as well as those who are suspects, defendants, or convicts in criminal cases.

Individuals with mental disorders receiving psychiatric care.

Citizens filing lawsuits for violations of their rights or in cases involving breaches of gender equality.

Suspects, defendants, and convicts in criminal cases where legal representation is mandated by law.

For low-income individuals accused of administrative offenses, state-funded assistance is provided only if administrative detention is prescribed as a penalty.

Citizens seeking assistance can submit their applications to local justice departments in verbal, written, or electronic form:

Electronic applications can be submitted via the "Legal Assistance" information system using the Unified Identification System (OneID).

Verbal and written applications are registered by justice departments in the system no later than the next business day after receipt.

Lawyers providing state-funded legal aid will be paid a fee according to established rates.

Additionally, travel and accommodation expenses will be reimbursed if the lawyer’s work involves travel to areas located more than 50 km from the place of contract execution.