Head of detention center dismissed over forced labor of prisoners in Andijan

The head of the temporary detention center in the Izboskan district of the Andijan region has been dismissed following revelations that prisoners were subjected to forced labor. This was reported by the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Oliy Majlis.

According to the Ombudsman’s office, in March of this year, the regional representative in Andijan inspected the detention facility under the Izboskan district police department and identified multiple violations. The inspection revealed serious deficiencies in sanitation, hygiene, and the center’s material and technical support. Additionally, issues with the sewage system and instances of forced labor involving some detainees were uncovered.

Following the findings, the Ombudsman requested the Andijan regional Department of Internal Affairs to address the violations and implement measures to prevent their recurrence.

As a result of the inspection, six employees were subjected to internal investigations and disciplinary action. One employee was referred to the Disciplinary Council, two received official reprimands, and another two were issued disciplinary sanctions. The head of the detention center was dismissed from the internal affairs bodies.

Efforts are currently underway to resolve the identified problems, and the Ombudsman’s office has pledged to continue monitoring the implementation of corrective measures.

It is worth noting that in February of this year, the bodies of deceased inmates were found in Penal Colony No. 7 in the Tashkent region and Penal Colony No. 14 under the Penal Enforcement Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Almalyk.