Bekmurodov responds to Russian senator's remarks comparing Uzbekistan to Ukraine

Earlier, Andrey Klimov, Deputy Chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Russian Federation Council, issued a warning to Uzbekistan by drawing a comparison to Ukraine’s fate. In response, Bobur Bekmurodov, Chairman of the national movement "Yuksalish" and a deputy of the Oliy Majlis, addressed what he viewed as an insult from the Russian senator.

Bekmurodov emphasized that Uzbekistan and Russia are two significant nations with strong alliance ties, and elevating internal issues - especially domestic matters - to a high diplomatic level between the two countries is a mistake.

"In Uzbekistan, both the government and civil society respond swiftly to any instance of violence. In such cases, we do not require foreign advisors," Bekmurodov stated.

"P.S.: Andrey Klimov, you can take a compass and go in four directions with your candles," he added a sharp postscript.

What Happened?

On September 23, during a Russian language lesson in the 6th grade at General Education School No. 188 in the Chilonzor district, a teacher, R.O., became involved in an incident with a student, E.G., which escalated into controversy.

The teacher grabbed the student by the ear, pulled him out of his seat, and slapped him across the face. A video of the incident circulated on social media, sparking widespread debate.

In response, Maria Zakharova, the official representative of Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called on Uzbekistan to legally assess the incident and take appropriate action against the teacher involved in the alleged child abuse.

Several Uzbek officials, including Alisher Kadyrov, Sherzodkhan Qudrathoja (Rector of the University of Journalism and Mass Communications of Uzbekistan), and Otabek Hasanov (Head of the Republican Spirituality and Enlightenment Center), responded to Zakharova’s request, urging Russia not to interfere in Uzbekistan's internal affairs and allowing the country to handle the matter within its legal framework.

Following these responses, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted a formal proposal to Uzbekistan’s Ambassador in Moscow, Botyrjon Asadov, emphasizing the importance of adhering to civil and diplomatic etiquette.

On September 26, Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. During their conversation, both sides reiterated the importance of respecting each other's internal affairs.

Earlier this year, in February, Sherzodkhan Qudrathoja had sparked controversy by calling people who live in a country without speaking its language "invaders or idiots" during an interview. Following these remarks, Yevgeny Primakov, the head of Rossotrudnichestvo, announced that all ties with Qudrathoja might be severed and that he and his relatives could be banned from entering Russia.