The key facts

  • The case against 52-year-old M.K. and other persons has been sent to the Narin district criminal court
  • The hearing is scheduled for November 18 and will be closed under Article 19 of the Criminal Procedure Code
  • The case was opened on September 12 under Part 4 of Article 118 of the Criminal Code; the suspect was detained and taken into custody

Case sent to court

The criminal case of sexual violence against a 5-year-old pupil of a state preschool institution in the Uchkurgan district of Namangan region has been sent to court. According to the press service of the courts of Namangan region, the case against 52-year-old M.K. and other persons has been accepted into proceedings by the Narin district criminal court. The court scheduled the hearing for November 18; since the victim is a minor, the proceedings will be held in a closed session under the procedure provided by Article 19 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Additional information on the case will be provided after the conclusion of the judicial process in the manner established by law.

What is known about the case

The criminal case was opened on September 12 by the investigative department of the Internal Affairs Department of the Uchkurgan district under Part 4 of Article 118 of the Criminal Code. The suspect K.M. was detained the same day under procedural procedure, and a measure of restraint in the form of detention in custody was applied to him. According to Gazeta.uz, the investigation into the case is also being conducted under Articles 118 ('Encroachment on honor and dignity') and 112 of the Criminal Code, and the prosecutor general has taken oversight of the case. Earlier, the children's ombudsman reported that initial investigative actions were being carried out.

Reaction of agencies

After the incident became known, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education created a special working group and announced the termination of contracts with involved employees; inspections began in all state kindergartens. The children's ombudsman, on whose words Gazeta.uz cites details, sent a submission to the ministry demanding a critical assessment of the results of the internal investigation, ensuring accountability of employees, and strengthening the safety of children in all preschool educational institutions. The kindergarten administration stated that oversight had not weakened, but the girl's mother reported that relatives of the suspect had offered money for withdrawing the complaint.