“Bury with the people inside”: Bukhara governor’s statement sparks outrage (video)

A controversial video showing the Governor of Bukhara region, Botir Zaripov, ordering the demolition of a structure and saying to "bury it with the person inside" has sparked widespread backlash on social media. The regional administration has since denied the allegations, stating the governor’s comments were taken out of context.

In the footage circulating online, Zaripov can be heard issuing firm directives to local officials regarding the demolition of a structure:

“You take the legal documents of everyone who enters the park. You destroy it without listening to anyone. Believe me. You destroy it without saying a penny. You destroy it today. You bury it with the person inside. Enough, we pampered everyone with a penny. You will see the document of the person who opened the door from behind.”

The comments quickly drew criticism, with many users calling the governor’s words excessive, threatening, and contrary to the rule of law.

According to official reports, the incident occurred on May 22, during an inspection led by Governor Zaripov at State Preschool Educational Institution No. 2 in the city of Bukhara. Built in 1961 and designed for 140 children, the kindergarten is currently undergoing major renovation funded by the local budget.

During the visit, Zaripov reportedly demanded that construction work be accelerated. However, his frustration appeared to escalate upon learning that part of the kindergarten’s land had been illegally occupied by the owner of a nearby public catering facility. The governor was particularly critical of an unauthorized passageway and the lack of fencing around a high-voltage transformer on the property.

The regional administration later issued a statement clarifying the situation. It claimed Zaripov’s order to “destroy” was directed at eliminating illegal entrances and unauthorized structures encroaching on public property.

“The main goal of the regional governor was to ensure the safety of 140 children and prevent potential violations. The term ‘destroy’ referred specifically to illegal constructions,” the administration explained.

Officials also dismissed social media claims that Zaripov had ordered the demolition of private kindergartens. “This is completely unfounded and does not reflect reality,” the statement said.

In an effort to address broader issues, the administration imposed disciplinary measures against a deputy mayor of Bukhara city and removed the illegal corridor. The incident was documented and submitted to higher authorities.

“We emphasize that the rule of law is ensured in the region, and no unlawful actions are tolerated. The governor spoke emotionally in order to underscore the seriousness of the situation,” the administration’s response concluded.

Despite the clarification, the government has yet to directly address the governor’s most controversial phrase: “you bury it with the person inside.” Social media users and legal experts continue to question the appropriateness and legality of such a statement, especially in a country where executive authorities are bound by judicial rulings.

Legal experts have pointed out that Zaripov’s additional comment about demolishing buildings "without a court order" violates the Constitution. Article 138 of Uzbekistan’s Constitution clearly states that judicial decisions are binding on all state bodies, organizations, and officials.

“The judiciary has the exclusive power to resolve disputes and issue binding decisions. Governors, as representatives of the executive branch, are required to implement decisions—not override them,” noted one legal analyst.

In Uzbekistan, any decision regarding property demolition must be supported by a court order. If a citizen or organization disagrees with an administrative decision, they have the right to challenge it in court.

As the video continues to circulate online, calls for accountability and a public explanation from Governor Zaripov are growing louder.