Minhojiddin Mirzo calls for apology from Maria Zakharova over interference in Uzbekistan’s Internal Affairs

Minhojiddin Mirzo, the First Deputy Chairman of the Writers' Union of Uzbekistan, recently reacted strongly to comments made by Maria Zakharova, the press secretary of Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding a school incident in Tashkent. Zakharova had asked Uzbekistan to address the situation in which a teacher allegedly hit a student.

Mirzo criticized Zakharova's involvement, questioning why Russia is demanding explanations for events that happened within Uzbekistan, an independent country. He emphasized that such situations—where conflicts arise between people—are naturally dealt with by the country's own laws and authorities, without the need for external interference.

"Why should an explanation be given to Moscow for a situation in an independent country?" Mirzo asked. He went on to accuse Russia of interfering in Uzbekistan's internal affairs, calling Zakharova's actions a violation of international law. "Do they still consider Uzbekistan as their province?" Mirzo added, pointing to the need for Russia to respect Uzbekistan's sovereignty.

He demanded that Zakharova apologize to Uzbekistan for her remarks and called on the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address what he deemed a display of disrespect toward the country.

Background on the Incident

The incident that sparked the controversy occurred on September 23 during a Russian language class at a school in Tashkent. A teacher, identified as R.O., reportedly pulled a student, E.G., by the ear and slapped him. The video of the incident circulated widely on social media, prompting discussions.

Maria Zakharova later requested that Uzbekistan provide a legal assessment and take action against the teacher. In response, Uzbek officials, including Alisher Kadyrov, Sherzodkhan Qudrathoja, and Otabek Hasanov, urged Russia not to interfere in Uzbekistan's internal matters, insisting that the situation would be handled according to the country's laws.

Following this, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Uzbekistan’s ambassador in Moscow to adhere to the general principles of diplomatic etiquette. On September 26, during a meeting between the foreign ministers of both countries, Bakhtiyor Saidov of Uzbekistan and Sergey Lavrov of Russia, the importance of non-interference in each other’s internal affairs was underscored.