School principal arrested over harassment case in Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A court in the Yukorichirchik district of the Tashkent region has sentenced a school principal to administrative arrest after he was found guilty of harassment involving a minor student, Kun.uz reported.

According to the report, the 39-year-old identified as J.I. sent sexually explicit messages to a schoolgirl via the Telegram messaging app on  16–17 April.

During the court hearing, the defendant admitted his guilt but claimed his actions were intended to be “educational” in nature. He also expressed remorse for his behavior.

The legal representative of the victim stated in court that the defendant “does not deserve his position” and called for a harsher punishment.

The court found the man guilty under Article 41-1 of Uzbekistan’s Code of Administrative Responsibility, which covers sexual harassment cases, and imposed a five-day administrative arrest.

Separately, the Nemolchi.uz anti-violence project noted that in similar cases over recent years, law enforcement practice has often drawn criticism. According to the group, acts involving indecent behavior toward minors are sometimes classified as administrative offenses rather than criminal charges.

The organization also stated that Article 41-1, originally intended to protect women’s rights, is in some cases applied in a way that excludes criminal liability even when offenses involve violations against the sexual integrity of minors.