Cotton, coal, and winter concerns – Weekly Analysis

In Kazakhstan, it has been decided that chemical castration will be applied to individuals convicted of crimes against the sexual inviolability of minors six months before the end of their sentence. Meanwhile, in Kyrgyzstan, the issue of reinstating the death penalty for crimes related to the murder and rape of minors and women has been brought to the agenda. Should such punitive measures be introduced in Uzbekistan, particularly the return of the death penalty? If so, for which specific crimes would you support such punishment? Before rushing to a conclusion, take a moment to reflect carefully. Remember, as the saying goes, “the pot breaks on the day it is meant to.” If a crime you deem worthy of the death penalty were committed by your close relative or friend, would you still demand the same punishment? Would you wish castration upon your loved ones?

Shavkat Mirziyoyev raises the issue of “islamophobia” at the summit

After the recent five-day holiday, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev began the new week by attending the funeral ceremony of Ismoil Jurabekov, a state and public figure who passed away at the age of 94. Later that day, he departed for Gabala, Azerbaijan, to take part in the 12th Summit of the Turkic States Organization (TSO).

Uzbekistan joined this organization in October 2019, during the third year of Mirziyoyev’s presidency. Initially founded to foster cultural cooperation, the organization has since expanded its scope to include economic, energy, customs, information technology, and even defense and military matters. The organization includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan as members, with Hungary, Turkmenistan, and the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus holding observer status. The most recent summit featured open discussions on military cooperation.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who hosted the summit, reminded participants of the “Nakhchivan Agreement,” noting that peace and security are among the organization’s core objectives.

“Considering our countries’ broad cooperation in the fields of defense and security, I propose that the member states of the Organization of Turkic States conduct joint military exercises in Azerbaijan in 2026,” Aliyev said.

This proposal was reflected in the final declaration adopted at the summit. According to the document, the relevant bodies agreed to continue regular consultations on political and security issues of mutual interest and to strengthen joint responses to emerging geopolitical and security challenges.

The heads of state reaffirmed their determination to intensify cooperation against terrorism, extremism, transnational organized crime, and cyber threats.

“The tragedy in the Gaza Strip, the situation surrounding Ukraine, issues related to Iran’s nuclear program, and the stability of Afghanistan deeply concern us all. We welcome any efforts by the world’s leading powers to build a just world order that fosters mutual trust and security,” Mirziyoyev stated.

President Mirziyoyev also proposed holding regular meetings between the intelligence and security services of Turkic states, suggesting that the first such meeting take place in Samarkand in 2026.

In addition, he expressed support for finalizing and adopting the Treaty on Strategic Partnership, Eternal Friendship, and Brotherhood among Turkic states. Mirziyoyev’s proposals also included the adoption of an “Action Plan to Combat Extremist and Radical Ideology” and measures against all forms of “Islamophobia.”

Later in the week, the Uzbek president attended two more major events: the second “Central Asia–Russia” summit and the regular meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Tajikistan.

At the “Central Asia–Russia” summit, Mirziyoyev emphasized that Russia has always been, and remains, an important, strategic, and allied partner for Uzbekistan. He thanked President Vladimir Putin for his commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation with Central Asia.

“The energy cooperation between our countries and Russia will continue to be a factor of peace and stability in the region. We are currently implementing joint projects aimed at developing strategic infrastructure, including gas pipelines and energy facilities. In the coming days, a historic event will take place—the launch of joint projects for the construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant and a multi-profile nuclear medicine center,” Mirziyoyev said.

At the end of September, Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev announced during the Global Atomic Forum in Moscow that two large reactors (each with a capacity of 1,000 MW) and two small reactors (each with 55 MW) would be built at a single site in Jizzakh region.

By 2035, the station—covering an area of nearly 525 hectares—is expected to generate 15.2 billion kWh of electricity annually, equivalent to about 15 percent of Uzbekistan’s current total consumption. Khodjayev added that this project is part of a broader strategy to diversify the country’s energy sector, aiming to increase the share of “clean” energy to over 40 percent by 2030, with nuclear power making a significant contribution to this goal.

Russia remains Uzbekistan’s key partner in many sectors. Between January and August 2025, Uzbekistan imported $5.4 billion worth of goods from Russia, making it the country’s second-largest import source after China. Mirziyoyev reiterated his commitment to further expanding multi-faceted cooperation with Russia.

Moreover, many Uzbeks continue to work in Russia. According to official data, fewer than one million Uzbek citizens are currently employed there, though independent experts estimate the number to be closer to two million. In recent months, amid reports of inhumane treatment of Uzbek migrants, Tashkent has sent several diplomatic notes to the Russian Foreign Ministry—none of which have been answered, nor has the situation improved.

The “Central Asia–Russia” and CIS summits took place amid a series of notable developments: the first-ever Central Asia–European Union summit, during which several agreements were reached; the strengthening of cooperation within the Turkic States Organization by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan; and recent visits by the leaders of these three countries to the United States. Notably, President Mirziyoyev’s rapprochement with former U.S. President Donald Trump and Uzbekistan’s $8 billion deal to purchase 22 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft also drew attention.

Since 2017, Mirziyoyev’s administration has pursued a pragmatic and multi-vector foreign policy. While Uzbekistan has several allies and strategic partners, it prioritizes balanced relations without leaning toward any specific bloc or country.

At the CIS summit—an organization seen as carrying the legacy of the former Soviet Union under Russia’s leadership—Mirziyoyev urged member states not to forget the complex situation in Afghanistan, warning that security threats and risks persist in the region.

Saida Mirziyoyeva meets with top European officials

While President Mirziyoyev attended the Turkic States, CIS, and Central Asia–Russia summits, his eldest daughter, Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Presidential Administration, traveled to Brussels to participate in the Global Gateway Forum and meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

On her social media page, Mirziyoyeva wrote that she was pleased with the meeting and confident that Uzbekistan–EU cooperation would continue to strengthen.

She also met with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas.

According to reports, the discussions touched upon both global and regional issues, with particular attention paid to Central Asia. Despite the complex geopolitical environment, both sides noted that interregional cooperation is steadily developing.

This was not Mirziyoyeva’s first meeting with high-ranking European officials. In April, during the first “Central Asia–European Union” summit and the Samarkand International Climate Forum, President Mirziyoyev introduced his daughter to Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa.

The joint declaration adopted at that summit confirmed the commitment of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the European Union to deepening cooperation and elevating their relations to the level of a strategic partnership.

Will Uzbek cotton face another boycott?

In recent years, Uzbekistan’s agricultural sector has undergone partial liberalization, with the introduction of the cluster system effectively ending forced labor during the cotton harvest. In 2022, the Cotton Campaign coalition lifted its 2009 boycott on Uzbek cotton. However, this progress may be at risk. Reports of quasi-forced labor during the current cotton season have resurfaced.

On social media, reports emerged that Nigora Jumayeva, Deputy Head of the Kumkurgan District Administration in Surkhandarya region and head of its Women and Family Affairs Department, had coerced women into picking cotton. Audio recordings accompanying these reports appear to capture her instructing female activists to bring at least two women each to the fields.

The district administration later denied the allegations, claiming that the women had participated “voluntarily” and with “full consent.” Officials added that on September 22, Deputy Prime Minister and Chair of the Women’s Committee Zulaykho Makhkamova had visited Kumkurgan to review employment initiatives for women. As part of her visit, an event titled “My Labor – My Pride” was organized at the “Munchoktepa Istiqboli” farm. According to the administration, the women attending the event—including cotton pickers—did so voluntarily. Still, one might question whether the event was staged to create the impression of employment and satisfaction for Makhkamova’s inspection.

The administration dismissed interpretations of Jumayeva’s audio messages as evidence of forced labor, calling such claims “completely unfounded.”

This was not the only such incident. This week, QALAMPIR.UZ received a complaint from employees of the “Abu Ali ibn Sino” Information and Library Center in Bukhara region, alleging they were forced to participate in the harvest. Reportedly, on October 5, 32 employees picked 1,503 kilograms of cotton at a local farm.

When contacted for comment, the library administration provided QALAMPIR.UZ with consent forms signed by staff members, claiming they had volunteered to earn extra income. However, the administration did not disclose how much they were paid.

In another case, in Bandikhon district, a Labo vehicle transporting women returning from the cotton fields collided with a Cobalt car. The accident occurred near the “Gulbog” neighborhood. The Labo driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the oncoming car. As a result, the driver and five women sustained injuries of varying severity and were taken to the district hospital. Social media users claimed that 16 women had been in the vehicle. The Bandikhon district police have launched a criminal investigation into the incident.

Forced participation in cotton harvesting, especially among teachers, students, professors, and medical workers, is not a distant memory for Uzbekistan. Such practices were the main reason Uzbek cotton faced a 13-year boycott in global markets. Following 32 legislative acts, four laws adopted in 2021, two presidential decrees, four government resolutions, and other measures, forced labor was declared eradicated, and the boycott was lifted—thanks in large part to the efforts of Tanzila Norboyeva, then Chair of the Federation of Trade Unions and Deputy Prime Minister. However, if such incidents continue, Uzbekistan’s cotton risks facing renewed international boycotts.

Experts attribute the recent recurrence of coercion to structural issues: farmers lack full control over land use, cannot freely decide what to plant, cotton prices remain below market demand, harvesting machines are scarce, and technical maintenance problems persist.

Will we be left with dung again this year?

Toward the end of the week, social media was abuzz with a video showing chaos during coal distribution to residents in Boysun district of Surkhandarya region. In the footage, people can be seen rushing and pushing each other while trying to get into the coal depot.

The incident occurred on October 8 this year at a coal warehouse located in the “Boshrabot” neighborhood. A total of 278 tons of coal had been delivered for distribution to residents for the autumn-winter season. Announcements about the state-subsidized coal were shared in the Telegram groups of local communities across the district.

According to local officials, some residents gathered at the warehouse attempted to obtain coal outside the designated schedule, leading to disorder.

The situation was eventually brought under control with the help of law enforcement and responsible authorities. It was noted that coal distribution initially prioritized residents of remote mountainous areas.

Cold weather has already set in across Uzbekistan. Energy shortages, particularly in gas and electricity supply, are now affecting even the capital, Tashkent. Although the government annually announces preparations ahead of the cold season, gas shortages and coal scarcity tend to worsen in the winter months—leaving people, once again, to rely on dried dung for heating.

Since October 2023, Uzbekistan has been dependent on Russian gas. This week, it was reported that Russia increased its gas exports to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan by 15 percent between January and August this year.

According to Gazprom’s CEO, Alexey Miller, the combined economies of these three countries could grow by 60 percent within the next five to six years, which will consequently raise energy and gas consumption.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s National Statistics Committee reported that the country reduced its gas imports from Turkmenistan and Russia by 27.9 percent during the first eight months of 2025, totaling $885.9 million. However, the Ministry of Energy has not disclosed details about the volume or price of imported gas.

Corrupt officials caught

The Ecological Party of Uzbekistan discussed a draft law this week proposing that candidates nominated for the positions of governor or minister must also present an anti-corruption action plan when their candidacy is reviewed by local councils or the Legislative Chamber. Coincidentally, over 10 new cases of bribery were uncovered in Uzbekistan this week.

In Andijan region’s Markhamat district, the district governor demanded $15,000 from a citizen in exchange for allocating a 60-sotok plot of land for the construction of eight retail shops (each 30 square meters) and for processing the necessary documents through his high-ranking contacts. He had already received $200 in advance.

During a special operation conducted jointly by the State Security Service and the Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the Prosecutor General’s Office, the deputy governor was detained red-handed while accepting the remaining $14,800.
A criminal case was opened against him under Articles 168 (Fraud), 28 (Types of Accomplices), and 211 (Bribery) of the Criminal Code. He has been placed in pre-trial detention pending investigation.

In Tashkent region’s Ohangaron district, the chief legal counsel of the local administration was caught taking a $1,500 bribe to illegally transfer a state-owned property located in the “Eyvalek” neighborhood to a private citizen through his high-ranking acquaintances.
The official, who had previously been convicted several times, is now facing charges under Articles 168 and 211 of the Criminal Code.

In Syrdarya region, the deputy governor of Khavas district and a specialist from the regional department of investments, industry, and trade conspired to extort $10,000 from a farmer. In exchange, they promised to include his 452-hectare livestock farm in next year’s rice production quota, confirm the fulfillment of export plans, overlook unauthorized cultivation, and allegedly protect him during inspections conducted by the State Security Service.

Later, the deputy governor demanded an additional $20,000, threatening to confiscate the land and initiate criminal proceedings. He was detained while receiving $10,000 through an intermediary.

Both officials are under arrest and face charges under Article 165 (Extortion) of the Criminal Code.

In Navoi region’s Karmana district, a governor’s assistant was caught with an illegal bribe of 40 million soums. He had demanded 100 million soums to transfer a land plot that was already leased to another person in 2024. A criminal case has been initiated, and investigations are underway.

Student kills woman who tried to blackmail him

In Tashkent, a 25-year-old male student strangled a woman to death in a rented apartment after she allegedly tried to blackmail him following an intimate encounter.

To hide the body, the student wrapped it in a bedsheet and tied it with rope before fleeing the scene. During the trial, he testified that the woman demanded 5 million soums and threatened to have him imprisoned. Acting out of fear, he strangled her and later fled to Surkhandarya region.

This week, the Yashnobod District Criminal Court reviewed the case. The defendant was found guilty under Article 97 (Intentional Murder) of the Criminal Code and sentenced to 10 years in a general-regime penal colony.

It remains unknown which university the student attended. Earlier, it was revealed during a Senate session that in the first half of 2025, 307 students from 102 higher education institutions across Uzbekistan committed crimes.

The majority of these cases involved students of Tashkent State Transport University, the National University of Uzbekistan, Tashkent State Technical University, Tashkent University of Information Technologies, and Tashkent State University of Economics.

Young man sentenced for insulting the President

An 18-year-old man from the city of Ohangaron in Tashkent region has been sentenced for posting an insulting comment about the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on Instagram.

According to the case materials, the young man left an offensive comment under a photo depicting Uzbekistan’s First and current Presidents using his personal Instagram profile.

A forensic linguistic and political analysis determined that the comment contained statements, ideas, and expressions directed against the President, insulting his honor and dignity and undermining his reputation.

The court found the defendant guilty under Part 3 of Article 158 of the Criminal Code (“Insulting the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan”) and sentenced him to two years of restricted freedom.

As part of the sentence, the convict is prohibited from visiting cafés, bars, and restaurants that serve alcohol, attending public gatherings such as demonstrations or rallies, communicating with individuals inclined toward criminal behavior, changing his place of residence without notifying the supervising authority, or leaving the territory of Tashkent region without permission.

Mubashshir Ahmad sentenced to two and a half years in prison

On October 8, the Uchtepa District Criminal Court in Tashkent held the final hearing in the case of Alisher Tursunov, better known as the religious scholar and blogger Mubashshir Ahmad. The court sentenced him to two years and six months in prison.

During the trial, Tursunov maintained that his activities had been conducted objectively and denied the charges, admitting only that he had published religious materials without the authorization of the relevant authorities and without approval from the Committee on Religious Affairs. He explained that this occurred while he was outside Uzbekistan.

The court took into account that Tursunov has underage children, is the family’s breadwinner, faces health issues, and is engaged in academic research. Nevertheless, he was found guilty under Part 2 of Article 156 (“Incitement of national, racial, ethnic, or religious hatred”), Paragraph “g” of Part 3 of Article 244-1 (“Preparation, storage, distribution, or display of materials threatening public security and order”), and Article 244-3 (“Illegal preparation, storage, import, or distribution of religious materials”) of the Criminal Code.

Applying Article 57 (“Imposition of a lighter punishment”), as well as Articles 59 and 61 governing the calculation of combined sentences, the court imposed a final sentence of two years and six months of imprisonment to be served in a general-regime correctional colony.

In addition, the court ordered that the online pages and channels operating under the names Mubashshir Ahmad and Azon Global – Alternative Analytical Information Channel on Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, and YouTube be blocked and their activities terminated.

The court’s verdict may be appealed or protested to the Tashkent City Court’s Criminal Panel through the prescribed legal procedure and within the established time limits.