Shermatov fails to clarify torture allegations at Senate Hearing (video)

During the fifth plenary session of the Senate on March 18, Sherzod Shermatov, Head of the Investigation Department under the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), was unable to answer a senator’s question regarding cases of torture in detention facilities. The session was broadcast live on the Senate’s official platform.

The session focused on discussing the Ombudsman for Human Rights's 2024 activities. During the discussions, Senator Khusan Ermatov questioned MIA officials about the progress of implementing interrogation rooms equipped with stenography, video surveillance, and audio-video recording systems, as mandated by a presidential decree.

Shermatov responded by stating that 57 special rooms equipped with audio and video recording systems have been established within the department and its regional branches. He added that 1,414 investigators are currently employed, and 1,237 video cameras with audio recording capabilities have been installed in their offices. These cameras are integrated into the offices of investigation department heads, and the recorded footage is stored on devices with a six-month retention period. This ensures that all investigative actions conducted in these offices are consistently documented.

Shermatov also mentioned that facilities have been created to conduct procedural actions with detainees and suspects in special rooms, including those in detention centers. The Penal Enforcement Department oversees 12 detention centers, which include 32 rooms designated for investigative actions, all equipped with surveillance cameras.

However, Shermatov left unanswered a question from Senator Ermatov regarding the number of deaths caused by torture in 2024 and their underlying reasons.

Senate Chairperson Tanzila Norboyeva then asked Shermatov about the number of complaints received by the Ombudsman last year concerning such incidents. Shermatov replied, “We are reviewing the complaints in collaboration. Responses and updates on the investigations are being provided within the set deadlines. However, we currently do not have specific reports or statistical data.”

Norboyeva expressed dissatisfaction with his response, emphasizing the importance of being prepared with detailed reports during such sessions. She reprimanded Shermatov, stating, “General statements like ‘we monitor everything and fulfill all tasks’ are not acceptable. Do not provide such answers in the future; your response is not accepted.”