Ombudsman condemns investigation process leading to death in Boka

The Ombudsman has strongly criticized the investigation process that resulted in the tragic death of Feruza Eshmatova in Boka. As the human rights representative of the Oliy Majlis, Eshmatova expressed condemnation for the situation involving torture in the region. According to Eshmatova, it is unacceptable for suspects or the accused to be subjected to fatal beatings during the inquiry and investigation process. These statements were reported by the Press Service of the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman is currently investigating reports of torture, and the incident in Boka serves as further evidence that such heinous acts are still prevalent in judicial investigations.

Following the initial forensic examination conducted after the citizen's death in the Boka district, the Prosecutor's Office of the Tashkent region swiftly initiated a criminal case. The Ombudsman commended the arrest of two operatives involved in the incident.

"It is disheartening to see individuals within the law enforcement system, who are supposed to protect our rights, engaging in illegal activities such as the case in Boka. However, we acknowledge the recent reforms in combating torture. Nevertheless, as long as there are 'employees' who defy state policy and allow mental and physical torture in the line of duty, citizens will continue to harbor distrust towards law enforcement agencies," stated the report.

The report emphasized that torture is a "disease in the body of society." The Ombudsman stressed the importance of transparency as a preventative measure against torture.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has implemented more stringent punitive measures against employees involved in torture cases, and amnesty will no longer be applied to them.

To ensure accountability for illegal actions committed by officials, a separate article has been included in the legislation. This article establishes that individuals engaging in torture will face stricter penalties. Article 235 of the Criminal Code mandates criminal liability for torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment and punishment. Regular monitoring of penitentiary institutions is conducted to identify and eradicate cases of torture. Visits are made, and conditions are systematically evaluated. Anonymous questionnaires are distributed among detainees, and informal interviews with prisoners are conducted. Immediate action is taken to address any complaints regarding the use of torture.

"Furthermore, reports of torture circulating on social networks are investigated on-site, and cases showing signs of torture are forwarded to the prosecutor's office for further examination. The Ombudsman will closely monitor the situation in Boka," the report added.

The Ombudsman called for severe punishment for those found guilty.

It is important to recall that on June 4 of this year, the health of a citizen involved in an investigation by the IIB in the Boka district of the Tashkent region deteriorated, ultimately leading to his death in the hospital. The Ministry of Internal Affairs revealed that the operatives from the Criminal Investigation Department of the Boka district violated the procedural guidelines by taking the citizen to a service room instead of a designated interrogation room, where an inquiry was being conducted concerning his potential involvement in another crime. During the process, the citizen's health worsened, resulting in his untimely death. The appointed primary forensic medical examiner determined that the body had injuries.

Following the citizen's death, two operatives involved in the incident were arrested, along with the head of the Boka district