Uzbekistan proposes life sentence for child sexual abuse after kindergarten rape

September 27, 2026 at 10:15 PM2 min

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Uzbekistan has drafted legislation imposing life imprisonment for child sexual abuse, announced Shahnoza Mirziyoyeva, first deputy director of the National Agency for Social Protection. The proposal follows the rape of a 5-year-old girl by a warehouse manager at a state kindergarten in Namangan region on September 12. The suspect was detained the same day and placed in custody.

Key Facts

Shahnoza Mirziyoyeva announced that proposals to introduce life imprisonment for child sexual abuse have already been submitted for review.
A criminal case was opened on September 12 by the investigation unit of the Uchkurgan district police department regarding the rape of a 5-year-old girl.
The suspect, identified as K.M., was detained on the same day and placed in custody.
The Children's Ombudsman submitted a motion to the Ministry of Preschool and School Education demanding measures to ensure child safety in all preschool institutions.
The Ministry of Preschool and School Education terminated employment contracts of kindergarten staff suspected of involvement in the incident.

Legislative Proposal

Shahnoza Mirziyoyeva, first deputy director of the National Agency for Social Protection, announced that proposals to strengthen criminal liability for child sexual abuse have been developed over several months with responsible agencies. The prepared proposals have already been submitted for review. If adopted, the punishment for pedophilia will be sharply increased to life imprisonment. Mirziyoyeva stated that the proposals also include strengthening the responsibility of parents for failing to care for children and of teachers for allowing violence and discrimination. The proposals further provide legal assistance and protection for child victims at every stage of investigation and trial.

Namangan Kindergarten Case

A warehouse manager at a state kindergarten in Namangan region raped a 5-year-old girl, triggering widespread discussion on social networks. A criminal case was opened on September 12 by the investigation unit of the Uchkurgan district police department. The suspect, identified as K.M., was detained on the same day and placed in custody. The Children's Ombudsman submitted a motion to the Ministry of Preschool and School Education demanding elimination of the causes and conditions that allowed the incident, ensuring child safety in all preschool institutions, and preventing recurrence. The Ministry of Preschool and School Education terminated employment contracts of kindergarten staff suspected of involvement in the incident.

Official Response

Saida Mirziyoyeva, head of the Presidential Administration, stated that the perpetrator will face the harshest punishment within the law. Shahnoza Mirziyoyeva later reported that the girl's family will move to another city and be provided with housing and necessary rehabilitation. A special working group of the Ministry of Preschool and School Education is currently checking employees of all state preschool institutions to prevent similar cases.