Uzbekistan investigates alleged sexual assault of five-year-old girl at Namangan kindergarten

September 28, 2026 at 04:19 PM2 min

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Authorities in Uzbekistan are investigating the alleged sexual assault of a five-year-old girl at a state kindergarten in Uchkurgan district, Namangan region. The suspect, identified as K. M., was detained on September 12 and later ordered held in custody. The case has prompted a national debate over tougher penalties for sexual crimes against children.

Key Facts

Police opened a criminal case on September 12 under two provisions of the Criminal Code, including rape of a child under 14.
The suspect, K. M., worked as the kindergarten's head of maintenance and was detained the same day.
Saida Mirziyoyeva, head of the Presidential Administration, said on September 27 that the death penalty should apply to such crimes.
The Children's Ombudsman proposed life imprisonment for serious sexual crimes against children in a special report to parliament.
The National Agency for Social Protection is providing assistance to the girl and her mother, including relocation and housing support.

Investigation and Detention

The alleged assault occurred at a kindergarten in Uchkurgan district, Namangan region. Police opened a criminal case on September 12 under two provisions of the Criminal Code, one covering the rape of a child under 14 and the other covering a threat to kill or use violence. The suspect, identified as K. M., worked as the kindergarten's head of maintenance and was detained the same day. A court later ordered him held in custody.

Calls for Tougher Penalties

On September 27, Saida Mirziyoyeva, head of the Presidential Administration, said the death penalty should apply to such crimes. Capital punishment is prohibited under Article 25 of Uzbekistan's Constitution, meaning its restoration would require a constitutional amendment. The Children's Ombudsman has proposed life imprisonment for serious sexual crimes against children, including rape, in a special report submitted to parliament. The ombudsman cited Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, where life sentences are available for certain sexual offenses against children. Human rights activist Abdurakhmon Tashanov cautioned against interpreting Mirziyoyeva's remarks as the beginning of a campaign to restore capital punishment.

Support for the Victim

The National Agency for Social Protection is providing assistance to the girl and her mother. Shakhnoza Mirziyoyeva, the agency's first deputy director, said psychologists and other specialists have been working with the family. The agency will arrange for the family to move to another city and receive housing, rehabilitation, and social support. It will assist the girl's mother with education and employment and, if necessary, with changing the family's surname.