Sydykov noted that the term "free lawyer" is often heard in public consciousness, but this is not entirely accurate. "For citizens, legal assistance is indeed free, but lawyers receive payment according to the tariffs set by the state," he emphasized.
In his speech, the Deputy Minister also mentioned that for 2025, 140 million soms are planned to be allocated for the system of guaranteed legal assistance. These funds will be directed towards the payment of lawyers involved in detentions, investigative activities, and court hearings at various times of the day, including weekends and holidays.
He clarified that the amounts of lawyers' fees are strictly regulated. For example, the minimum remuneration for representing interests in civil cases in the first instance court is no less than 5,000 soms, which corresponds to current market conditions and is not considered a low rate.
In addition, Sydykov added that the system of guaranteed legal assistance includes mechanisms for monitoring the quality of lawyers' work. If a lawyer demonstrates dishonesty, has a conflict of interest, or violates established standards, they may be temporarily suspended from work or excluded from the register, and their contract may be terminated.
Issues of disciplinary responsibility for lawyers, including the possibility of license revocation, are regulated by the Ethics Commission of the Bar Association.
During the meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh committee, a draft law was also considered, which proposes changes to the licensing of lawyers, the system of state guaranteed legal assistance, and the procedure for regulating membership fees.
