Police officer stands by as 3 men beat 2 people in Andijan (video)

Videos circulating on social media show a violent altercation in the Asaka district of Andijan region, where two men were brutally assaulted. In the footage, a group of attackers repeatedly punch and kick the victims—who appear to be unconscious on the ground—while filming the assault. Despite bystanders’ pleas, the violence continued. A person wearing a police uniform is also seen at the scene, standing by without intervening.

The Andijan Regional Department of Internal Affairs later confirmed the incident took place on June 8. According to the department, a local resident identified as Kh.J. (born 2001) disturbed the peace of citizens at around 4:30 a.m. in the Qadriyat neighborhood of Asaka district. Together with two accomplices, S.M. (born 2003) and O.M. (born 2002), he assaulted X.D. (born 2004), causing minor bodily injury, and R.B. (born 1997), inflicting moderately serious injuries, following a disagreement.

On the same day, a criminal case was opened against Kh.J., S.M., and O.M. under Part 3, Clause “g” of Article 277 (Hooliganism) of the Criminal Code. The suspects were placed under arrest pending trial.

The investigation was completed and submitted to court on July 8. On August 27, the Asaka District Criminal Court sentenced all three defendants to three years of restriction of liberty.

However, the regional Department of Internal Affairs did not comment on why the officer present at the scene failed to intervene, nor did it clarify whether disciplinary measures have been taken against him.

Earlier this year, in a separate incident in Payariq district, Samarkand region, several individuals were detained for assaulting and extorting money from local entrepreneurs. The Payariq District Department of Internal Affairs has opened a criminal case under Articles 112 (Threat of murder or use of force), 276 (Illegal possession and handling of narcotic substances without intent to distribute), and 277 (Hooliganism) of the Criminal Code, with investigations ongoing.