THE DEATH PENALTY IN THE OSCE AREA 3.12 UZBEKISTAN RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS International Instruments Ratification Status136 ICCPR R Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR – CRC R Status: retentionist LEGAL FRAMEWORK The death penalty is envisaged for two crimes:137 murder with aggravating circumstances and terrorism.138 In 1998, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights announced a policy of abolishing the death penalty in stages. The death penalty was abolished for five crimes in 1998 and for four crimes in 2001. In December 2003, the death penalty was abolished for two more crimes: aggression against another state and genocide. Moratorium No moratorium on executions is in place. The OSCE Chairman-in-Office and the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture have both called for the introduction of a moratorium on executions in Uzbekistan. Method of execution Shooting139 136 137 138 139 R = ratified, S = signed, a dash (–) indicates that the participating State has neither signed nor ratified the relevant instrument. Article 51 of the Criminal Code, 22 September 1994, with amendments of 29 August 2001. Articles 97(2) and 155 of the Criminal Code. Article 51 of the Criminal Code. Article 140 of the Criminal Executive Code of 1 April 1995 provides that executions shall not be carried out in public. 44