Uzbekistan and crime. Weekly analysis

What does it take for a person to grow into someone capable of extreme cruelty? Or rather, what kind of environment breeds such behavior? In my opinion, the most dangerous creature on Earth is sometimes a human being. People who inflict pain on others often bear the scars of neglect, humiliation, or exclusion from their past, channeling their unresolved trauma into acts of violence.

Tragic Death of a Three-Year-Old: Court Proceedings Begin

This summer, Uzbekistan witnessed a horrifying crime—a three-year-old boy was brutally murdered. The child was stabbed to death, with the attack so vicious it included a stab wound to his eye. This was not the work of an animal but a person—a person who defies the very definition of humanity.

The heartbreaking incident occurred in Tashkent, where a 31-year-old man killed the son of a woman he lived with outside of marriage. The trial for the accused, Sohibjon Muqimov, began this week in the Mirzo Ulugbek District Court. He faces charges under multiple articles of the Criminal Code, including Article 97 (intentional murder) and Article 251-1 (illegal drug use).

Court documents reveal that Muqimov had a history of substance abuse and had previously been convicted of drug-related crimes. On July 9, he reportedly consumed a cocktail of powerful drugs, including pregabalin, tropicamide, and mephedrone, leading to a state of extreme intoxication.

Fueled by jealousy and rage, he attacked the child with a "butterfly" knife while the boy sought comfort from his mother. The man inflicted multiple fatal injuries, including stabs on the child’s eye, brain, and vital organs, in front of the mother. He later fled when neighbors intervened.

Both the mother and the child’s biological father have demanded a life sentence for the accused. While the defense argues that the killer was under the influence of psychotropic substances, the public remains skeptical, calling for strict accountability.

As a society, we must also acknowledge our collective responsibility for such tragedies. From those enabling the illegal drug trade to authorities failing to curb its spread, we are all complicit in some way. Justice must prevail, both in court and in the larger fight against the root causes of such crimes.

Kadyrov Denies Involvement in Alleged Assassination Plot

Just as the controversy surrounding an alleged assassination attempt on former Uzbek Presidential Administration official Kamil Allamjonov began to subside, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov issued a response. Some reports have linked Kadyrov to the incident, but he firmly denies any involvement.

The attack, which targeted Allamjonov’s car, did not result in injuries. Four suspects have been arrested, but their identities remain undisclosed. Speculation emerged that one of the attackers might have ties to Kadyrov and could be linked to previous attacks on Chechen opposition figures in Turkey.

Kadyrov dismissed these accusations, stating:

“Pro-Western and opposition media have fabricated a 'Chechen trail' and falsely implicated me. I will not entertain such provocations. Uzbekistan, under President Mirziyoyev’s leadership, has an exemplary law enforcement system. If I had been involved, the results would have been unmistakable. Rest assured, my brothers in Uzbekistan will uncover the truth behind these baseless claims.”

So far, Uzbek authorities and Allamjonov himself have remained silent on Kadyrov’s remarks. The Prosecutor General’s Office has referred to the incident only as "The Situation in Qibray," without explicitly naming the victim or suspects.

Prosecutor's Office Accused of Abduction and Rape of a School Student

In a shocking incident in Samarkand, an 8th-grade student was abducted and raped by a group of individuals, including a member of the prosecutor's office. Eight suspects have been detained, while one remains at large.

The assault, which occurred on October 2, was reported by the victim on October 6. However, the public only became aware of the case after media reports by the "Keep Silence" project surfaced.

Investigations revealed that the head of the prosecutor's office in Koshrabot district was implicated. On October 30, he was dismissed from his position by the regional prosecutor. Subsequently, on October 31, the Ishtikhan district prosecutor's office initiated a criminal case under Article 119 of the Criminal Code for “satisfaction of sexual needs in an unnatural way using force.”

The case is now under the control of law enforcement, with eight suspects detained, including the dismissed prosecutor.

This incident coincided with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signing the "Law on the Protection of Children from All Forms of Violence" on November 14. This law introduces measures to protect children from neglect, exploitation, bullying, and violence. It will take effect six months after its publication.

Domestic Abuse Leads to Suicide in Samarkand

In another tragic case, a woman in Samarkand took her own life after enduring years of domestic abuse. The victim, a mother of five, had been subjected to relentless physical and emotional violence by her husband, who worked as a school deputy director.

The abuse escalated on July 11 when the husband, intoxicated, beat his wife in front of their children. Shortly thereafter, she was found dead by her daughters.

A forensic examination revealed multiple serious injuries, including broken ribs, head trauma, and bruises. The Urgut District Court convicted the husband on October 29 under Articles 103 (driving a dependent person to suicide) and 126 (inflicting serious injury through domestic violence). He was sentenced to 8 years and 6 months in prison.

This case, too, came to light through the "Keep Silence" project, highlighting the systemic neglect in addressing such issues.

Trial Begins in Yangiyol Family Massacre Case

The trial of a horrific family massacre in Yangiyol commenced last week. In July, five members of a family were brutally murdered, and their house was set on fire.

The accused, a 29-year-old relative, is believed to have committed the crime over a financial dispute. He faces multiple charges, including intentional murder, defamation, and property destruction. Given the nature of the crimes, the trial is being held behind closed doors.

Fatal Accident at Rogun Hydropower Plant

An accident at the Rogun Hydropower Plant in Tajikistan claimed the lives of three workers and injured another on November 12. The Rogun plant, set to be the world’s tallest dam, has faced numerous safety incidents since construction resumed in 2008.

In 2020 alone, 15 accidents were reported, resulting in 3 fatalities and 15 injuries. This incident raises fresh concerns about worker safety in Central Asia’s ambitious hydropower projects.

Bribery Scandals in Uzbekistan’s Public Sector

Corruption scandals continue to plague Uzbekistan’s institutions. Last week, the head of the anti-corruption department of the Fergana Regional Power Grid was caught accepting a $1,000 bribe in exchange for covering up professional misconduct.

In a separate case, a traffic inspector in Syrdarya demanded $400 from a driver involved in an accident to alter investigation results. Fortunately, the driver reported the inspector, leading to his conviction.

These cases underscore systemic corruption, contrasting sharply with countries like China, where officials face severe penalties, including death, for bribery offenses.

An Arab-Islamic Summit Held in Saudi Arabia

An extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit was held in Saudi Arabia on November 11, with the participation of Uzbekistan's President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The summit addressed one of the most pressing issues on the global political agenda—the Palestinian problem. During the meeting, President Mirziyoyev proposed a bold initiative, moving beyond the inconclusive rhetoric that has dominated discussions for the past year.

The president also emphasized the need for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to focus on safeguarding the integrity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and other historic and cultural landmarks in Jerusalem. He highlighted the importance of preserving these significant sites for future generations.

Uzbekistan’s Healthcare Capacity to Address the Palestinian Crisis

In line with the summit's discussions, President Mirziyoyev's proposal included offering medical support to those affected by the ongoing conflict. To assess Uzbekistan’s healthcare system's capacity to assist, QALAMPIR.UZ contacted Deputy Minister of Health Elmira Bositkhonova.

Bositkhonova confirmed that Uzbekistan has the necessary infrastructure and personnel to treat Palestinian children.

“Before making this proposal, the president first ensured that we have sufficient resources. We have specialized hospitals built during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are confident that we can provide care. The specifics—such as the number of patients, their distribution, and the specialists involved—will be determined after a formal directive is issued. If the government orders it, a comprehensive road map will be developed,” she stated.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that, since October 7, 2023, Israeli attacks have claimed the lives of 43,603 people, the majority of whom were women and children. Additionally, 102,929 Palestinians have been injured, with a significant portion of the casualties being women and children.

Sadir Japarov Warns of Water Scarcity Risks

At the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan's President Sadir Japarov issued a stark warning about the risks posed by water scarcity. He highlighted the vulnerability of mountain ecosystems, particularly glaciers that provide water to millions of people in Central Asia. Japarov stressed that the rapid disappearance of these glaciers is not just a local issue but a global one.

“Water scarcity will continue to increase, heightening the potential for conflicts, instability, and poverty,” Japarov stated. He also noted that climate change is exacerbating challenges related to food security, agriculture, and essential services like water and clean energy, especially in mountainous regions.

Japarov called for fair and equitable consideration of the interests of mountainous countries in future international climate negotiations.

“The fight against climate change is not just a struggle for survival; it is also a fight for justice, equality, and dignity,” he said.

Kyrgyzstan Reduces Water Supply to Uzbekistan

In a related development, shortly after Japarov’s address on water issues, Kyrgyzstan announced a reduction in its water supply to Uzbekistan. The announcement came during a meeting of the Kyrgyz Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament), where Prime Minister Okilbek Japarov discussed the importance of preserving Issyk-Kul, a key natural resource for the country.

Japarov explained that water from the Qorqiri River no longer flows into Issyk-Kul, and the Kochkor River, which once replenished the lake, is now being used by local farmers for irrigation. He warned that Issyk-Kul could face a fate similar to the dried-up Aral Sea if water consumption continues at current rates.

To safeguard the future of Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan may need to reduce the water it supplies to neighboring countries. Okilbek Japarov stated that discussions are ongoing with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan regarding the preservation of this critical water source.