Man sentenced to 12 years in prison for raping 13-year-old orphan in Kashkadarya

Kashkadarya, June 6, 2023 - In a distressing case that shook the Chirakchi district of the Kashkadarya region, a man who had adopted a 13-year-old child from a family orphanage has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for the heinous crime of rape. The verdict was announced today at the conclusion of the trial in the Chirakchi district court for criminal cases, as reported by the Press Service of the Supreme Court.

The defendant, identified as K.T., was found guilty of violating paragraph “a” of part 3 of Article 118 (touching honor) of the Criminal Code, and Article 129 of the previous version (which was in effect until April 11, 2023) (indecent acts against a person under the age of sixteen). Based on Article 59 of the Criminal Code (sentencing for multiple crimes), the court sentenced him to 12 years of imprisonment in a correctional facility.

The verdict emphasized that dissatisfaction with the ruling could be addressed through the appropriate legal channels. The report stated, "Parties who are dissatisfied with the verdict of the court of first instance can file a complaint or protest to the trial panel of the criminal appeals court of the Kashkadarya Regional Court in the manner and time specified in the law."

The Supreme Court provided clarification that individuals convicted of defaming a victim under the age of 18 and committing indecent acts against a person under the age of 16 are not eligible for early parole or sentence commutation under the requirements of Articles 73 and 74 of the Criminal Code.

It is worth noting that in April of this year, reports emerged of a 13-year-old girl who had been raped by a 51-year-old man. While unconfirmed, it was also alleged that the girl became pregnant as a result of the assault and underwent a forced abortion.

The court's decision to hand down a significant prison sentence reflects the gravity of the crime committed against the vulnerable orphaned child. It is hoped that this ruling will serve as a deterrent and reinforce the message that such acts will not be tolerated in Uzbekistan. The protection and well-being of children remain a top priority, and the judicial system is taking firm measures to ensure justice is served in such cases.