In Tashkent, a teacher is under suspicion for allegedly harassing a 9-year-old student.

In a private educational center in Tashkent, a 25-year-old painting instructor is suspected of harassment towards a 9-year-old student.

As reported by NeMolchi, the girl told her mother that during classes in February, the teacher repeatedly touched her under her clothing, kissed her, and choked her, afterward observing her reactions. According to the child's mother, during the sixth session, the girl hit the man when he attempted to kiss her.

After a complaint was filed, it became evident that he might have engaged in similar actions with other students, but their parents chose not to contact the authorities. There were no surveillance cameras in the classroom. On February 16, the girl's mother contacted the police, and the materials were forwarded to the Yakkasarai District Internal Affairs Department. A forensic examination was conducted, and the suspect was interrogated, but he denies any wrongdoing. The director of the educational center confirmed that she had reprimanded him for violating the hierarchy, but he ignored her.

Despite this, the investigation did not commission a psychological-pedagogical examination and did not initiate a criminal case. On March 1, the investigator informed the mother that the materials had been sent to court under administrative article 41-1 (Sexual Harassment), which, according to the Supreme Court ruling No. 30 from 2023, does not apply to victims under 16 years old.

NeMolchi emphasizes that such actions should be classified under article 129 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan (Committing Lewd Acts), which would allow for not only punishment but also restrict the suspect's ability to work with children. If the case is considered under the administrative code, he faces up to 5 days of arrest. The girl's mother reported that the child is experiencing severe stress, has trouble sleeping, and is afraid of men, including relatives. The girl has also refused to continue her painting classes.