Mother Alleges Torture of Detained Teen in Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The mother of 18-year-old Artyom, Yekaterina Khalikova, has alleged that her son was subjected to physical and psychological pressure after being detained in Uzbekistan’s Tashkent region. Law enforcement authorities are conducting a review related to the incident and the circulation of a video recording.

The controversy began after the publication in late April of a video that allegedly showed a patrol police officer in a mountainous area at night with two girls, one of whom was reportedly 14 years old.

The author of the recording attempted to open the car doors and remove the girls from the vehicle, later calling the law enforcement officer a pedophile. It was subsequently established that the claimed family relationship with one of the girls was untrue.

According to Yekaterina Khalikova, her son went to the mountains after the 14-year-old girl sent him a geolocation and asked for help. The Tashkent Region Department of Internal Affairs stated that the girls had been in the patrol officer’s vehicle voluntarily and that no unlawful actions had been recorded inside the car.

Following the publication of the video, the officer was temporarily suspended pending an investigation. Authorities later stated that Artyom had disseminated false information. After his detention, he recorded a video apology in which he admitted to spreading misinformation.

Yekaterina Khalikova claims the statement was made under pressure. According to her, physical force was used against her son after his detention, while access to a lawyer was restricted. She also alleged that pressure was exerted on her personally and that certain law enforcement officers suggested she take responsibility herself.

After serving seven days of administrative detention, Artyom was not released. He was transferred to a prosecutorial investigative unit as part of a new investigation, reportedly linked to charges concerning the dissemination of false information.

The office of the ombudsman for human rights reported procedural violations, including denial of access to legal counsel and questions regarding the legality of the detention. According to the office, a supervisory letter was sent to the Prosecutor General’s Office.

On 6 May, a representative of the ombudsman visited the detention facility where Artyom was being held, spoke with him and reviewed the detention conditions. According to official information, the detainee did not file any complaints.