Mystery surrounds death of 21-year-old convict in Almalyk prison (video)

On February 15, 2025, the body of 21-year-old convict Muhammadkadir Pulatov was discovered in colony No. 14 of the Department of the Execution of Sentences in Almalyk. The information was shared by human rights activist Abdurakhmon Tashanov, chairman of the "Ezgulik" society, on his Facebook page.

Pulatov, a sports champion who had won several international tournaments and had been involved in sports since childhood, had no known health issues and never complained of any medical problems. His mother, residing in Fergana, had visited him in the colony from January 26-28, 2025.

According to the colony administration, Pulatov died on February 14 from a myocardial infarction and severe pancreatitis. However, his mother and human rights activists have raised suspicions. Tashanov reported that the convict’s body showed signs of potential torture, including marks resembling those from electroshock. The administration also failed to inform the family about Pulatov’s serious health condition or hospitalization before his death, which has further fueled concerns.

In a similar case, on May 23, 2024, a 24-year-old convict in prison No. 6 in the Pop district of Namangan was found dead by suicide. The Prosecutor General's Office concluded that the only injuries found on the body were strangulation marks around the neck.