Children’s Ombudsman meets a victim of sexual assault in Samarkand

Surayyo Rahmonova, the Representative of the Oliy Majlis on Children's Rights, visited the Koshrabot district of the Samarkand region to investigate a case of sexual violence involving a schoolgirl, according to the press service of the Children's Ombudsman.

Rahmonova met with the young victim and her mother to assess the situation and ensure her rights were protected during the investigation process.

The ombudsman reviewed the procedural safeguards provided to the victim, emphasizing the presence of her legal representative, teacher, and lawyer during investigative proceedings. She also urged law enforcement officials to adopt child-sensitive practices during the investigation to minimize further trauma to the girl.

Medical, psychological, and social support has been extended to the victim and her family. In a private conversation, the girl’s mother requested that media outlets and the public refrain from publishing details of the crime, explaining that such exposure deeply impacts her daughter and family emotionally.

Rahmonova reiterated that extensive media coverage of crimes involving minors is detrimental to the child's dignity and personal life. She stressed that sharing explicit details violates the child’s rights and urged restraint to prioritize the child’s well-being.

The case involves the abduction and sexual assault of an eighth-grade student by a group of individuals in the Samarkand region. Investigations revealed that the former head of the Koshrabot district prosecutor’s office was implicated. Following the discovery, he was dismissed from his post on October 30.

A criminal case was initiated under Article 119 of the Criminal Code (Satisfaction of Sexual Needs in an Unnatural Way Using Force) and transferred to the internal affairs body for further investigation. Nine suspects have been identified, including the former prosecutor, with eight already detained. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspect. Authorities have heightened control over the investigation to ensure justice.