Sydykov emphasized that the term "free lawyer" is often encountered in public consciousness; however, this does not correspond to reality. "For citizens, legal support is indeed provided free of charge, but lawyers are paid according to state-approved rates," he noted.
According to the deputy minister, for the year 2025, the guaranteed state legal aid system is allocated 140 million soms. These funds will be directed towards compensating lawyers' work in various situations, including detentions, investigative actions, and court hearings at any time, including weekends and holidays.
Sydykov also reported that lawyers' fees are under strict control. For example, the minimum compensation for work on civil cases in the first instance court is 5,000 soms, which corresponds to market conditions, eliminating the risk of underpayment.
Additionally, the guaranteed legal aid system includes mechanisms to ensure the quality of lawyers' work. In cases of standard violations, conflicts of interest, or unethical behavior, a lawyer may be temporarily suspended, removed from the registry, and their contract terminated.
Issues of disciplinary responsibility for lawyers, including the possibility of license revocation, fall under the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission of the Bar Association.
The committee meeting also discussed a draft law proposing changes to the licensing of lawyers, the state legal aid system, and the regulation of membership fees.
