No evidence in rape claims against Andijan Governor - Press office

The office of Andijan regional governor Shukhrat Abdurakhmonov has officially denied allegations that he committed sexual violence against a 15-year-old girl, calling the claims baseless and slanderous.

On May 9, the governor’s press service issued a statement in response to a video posted on YouTube by blogger Ulugbek Ashur titled “Is There Compromising Information About the Andijan Regional Governor or Is It a Trap?”

The video alleges that a young man from Andijan possesses evidence implicating Governor Abdurakhmonov in a serious crime. According to the claim, the governor allegedly provided a woman and her underage daughter with an apartment and a job, then took the girl to his private residence (dacha) and raped her multiple times, threatening them with destruction if they revealed the incident.

In response, the governor’s office strongly refuted the accusations, stating:

“Such posts, based on a citizen’s words and without any credible evidence, are an open assault on the personal honor, dignity, and authority of the regional governor.”

The statement emphasized that the sources used in spreading the allegations were dubious and unlawful, and noted that a legal review of the situation is currently underway.

The press service added that the governor's office has filed a complaint with law enforcement agencies against those responsible for spreading what it calls false and damaging information. The report warned that punitive measures would be taken in accordance with Uzbek law.

“We urge the public not to fall for provocative, misleading claims and to trust only official, verified information,” the statement concluded.

This incident has stirred public attention, as it highlights the tension between growing digital activism and official government responses in Uzbekistan.