Uzbek and Tajik children killed in the US and Russia, Uzbekistan’s fear of reputational damage, the suspended green-card lottery, Sultonov “removed” from the president’s circle, and a Kokand healer arrested — Weekly analysis

In the Khojayli District of Karakalpakstan, a grandfather and his two grandchildren, a 52-year-old man in Andijan, and a 30-year-old man in Karmana District of Navoi Region along with his four-year-old son died of carbon monoxide poisoning. These are only the cases that became known to the public and the media this past week. How many more incidents remain unreported or concealed is hard to say. As the saying goes, it happens every spring again and again — yet in Uzbekistan, it increasingly feels as though the moment winter begins, more households are faced with mourning.

An Uzbek student killed in a shooting in the United States

On December 13, a shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, left two students dead and seven others injured. Among those killed was Uzbekistan citizen Muhammadaziz Umurzokov, born in 2007. His family had been living in the United States, but on the day the fatal bullet struck Muhammadaziz, his parents had just arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah pilgrimage.

Following the tragedy, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and loved ones. The ministry also said representatives of Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions in the United States remain in постоян contact with the family and are working closely with relevant US agencies to address all related issues.

According to information from the Providence Police Department the morning after the shooting, the FBI searched a hotel in Rhode Island and detained one person. A search was also conducted at a residence in another state. The FBI declined to comment on the raids, and the detained individual was released later that day. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said there was “no basis to consider him a suspect.” Evidence collected at the scene did not match the weapon the individual had in his possession.

On December 15, Providence police released photos of the suspect along with three additional videos. In one video, the suspect is seen wearing a black hat, a mask, a green jacket, and black gloves. Providence Police Chief Colonel Oscar Perez said the shooter used a 9mm firearm. The FBI announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the suspect.

On December 17, Providence police published a street map showing the areas where the suspect was believed to have been on the day of the shooting. That same day, law enforcement reported that DNA and fingerprints had been found on shell casings recovered at the crime scene.

On December 18, sources said the Brown University shooting may be linked to the killing of MIT professor Nuno Loureiro in Brookline on December 15. That day, police acting on an arrest warrant related to the Brown case entered a storage facility in Salem, New Hampshire, where they found 48-year-old Portuguese national Claudio Manuel Neves-Valente dead. Two firearms were found near him. Preliminary reports suggested he may have died by suicide.

Claudio Manuel Neves-Valente (1977 – approx. December 18, 2025) was a Portuguese citizen who studied in Brown University’s PhD program in physics in 2000–2001. In the late 1990s, he attended Lisbon’s Instituto Superior Técnico, where he studied during the same period as Loureiro. He had no known criminal record. From November 28, 2025, he was reportedly seen on Brown’s campus several times, and some people considered his presence suspicious.

Against the backdrop of the shootings at Brown University and MIT, US President Donald Trump suspended the “green card” lottery program on December 18. Acting on his directive, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) temporarily halted the program. The decision was reportedly linked to claims that a suspect in the Brown University shooting had entered the country through the program.

Following the incident, Washington did not issue a public condolence message. However, US Ambassador to Uzbekistan Jonathan Henick published a condolence statement.

Nationalism or a failure of governance: a 10-year-old child killed in Russia

This cannot be left unspoken. On December 16, Qobiljon Aliyev, a 10-year-old child from a Tajik migrant family studying in the fourth grade at a school in the Gorki-2 area of Odintsovo, Moscow Region, was killed. The case has been widely discussed as a hate-motivated killing.

According to reports, a 15-year-old ninth-grader at the same school had prepared for the attack in advance and walked through the school looking for a target. Qobiljon crossed his path. In some accounts, Qobiljon tried to escape and identified himself as Tajik in an attempt to protect other children. He died at the scene. His father had reportedly passed away not long before, and his mother worked at the same school as a cleaner.

Many observers stress that this was not only an individual crime, but also a reflection of wider tensions fueled by anti-migrant sentiment and radical nationalist ideas. The discussion has also touched on the broader socio-economic drivers behind labor migration from Central Asia, including unemployment, corruption, and long-standing governance challenges in migrants’ countries of origin. Tajik nationals reportedly make up a significant share of migrant workers in Russia.

No public statements were issued by the presidents of the two countries or by senior officials close to them. Russia’s Ambassador to Tajikistan Semyon Grigoryev was summoned to the Tajik Foreign Ministry, where he was handed a diplomatic note demanding a prompt, impartial investigation and full accountability for those responsible.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry, through spokesperson Maria Zakharova, expressed condolences to the Tajik side, the victim’s family, and those injured in the attack. The statement also emphasized continued взаимное support within the framework of the strategic partnership and союзничество between Russia and Tajikistan. Zakharova added that every human life, regardless of citizenship or ethnicity, is a supreme value.

Tajik Interior Minister Ramazon Rahimzoda reportedly called Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, warning that such crimes could inflame social tensions and encourage similar acts by other radical nationalist groups.

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu also spoke with Tajik Security Council Secretary Yusuf Rahmon, saying Moscow was using all available means to ensure an objective review of the case.

Russia’s Investigative Committee opened a criminal case under Article 105 of the Russian Criminal Code (murder), as well as Article 30(3) and Article 105(2) (attempted murder of two or more persons).

The 15-year-old suspect, identified in reports as Timofey, confessed during questioning. On December 18, a court ordered him held in custody for two months. That same day, Qobiljon Aliyev’s body was transported to relatives in Tajikistan and buried in Shahrinav District, near his father’s grave.

“Not punishment, but adaptation”
Integration centers for children to be established

This week, issues of violence against women and children, as well as reproductive health, were in focus for the Head of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, Saida Mirziyoyeva.

Mirziyoyeva said Uzbekistan still fears disclosing statistics on violence against women and children, as well as the criticism and reputational damage that could follow. In many cases, the real situation remains unseen and much is hidden. For this reason, a meeting at the Presidential Administration discussed ensuring the protection of women’s and children’s rights, combating violence, addressing the causes of early pregnancy, and prevention measures.

In 2024, 412 children in Uzbekistan were reported to have suffered sexual violence. Another 1,028 children experienced physical violence, and 929 were subjected to psychological pressure. Fourteen children were reported as victims of exploitation, while 106 children faced severe neglect by adults.

Uzbekistan adopted the Law “On Protecting Children from All Forms of Violence” one year ago, becoming the first country in Central Asia to do so. However, implementation has remained a challenge.

This week, based on that law, Uzbekistan approved a strategy and action plan for 2026–2030 to protect children from all forms of violence.

Under the document, work with professional foster families will begin in 2026. Children will have access to support from psychologists and lawyers, while families will receive necessary assistance and family therapy services. The priority will be not to break up families, but to support them and help restore stability. A firm decision has been announced to fully close state residential educational institutions. In their place, social integration centers will be established for children with antisocial behavior. In these centers, the focus will be not on punishment, but on rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

In addition, amendments to the Criminal Code and the Code on Administrative Liability are being prepared to introduce liability for committing obscene acts against children through the use of the global information network. The matter was discussed on December 18 at the 12th plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis.

Amendments are also being introduced to the Criminal Procedure Code to define the total permissible duration of questioning a minor witness or victim within a single day, as well as the procedure for participation of legal representatives during questioning.

According to senators, the legislation will help prevent crimes, ensure the inevitability of punishment for offenses committed, and protect children’s rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests.

This week, at a regular session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, a draft law aimed at improving the child social protection system was reviewed article by article in the second reading and returned to the relevant committee.

It was reported that the draft includes provisions establishing administrative liability if a person responsible for a child’s upbringing and education in an educational institution commits violence against a child during the educational process.

The draft also proposes obligating notaries to submit to the “Inson” social services centers information confirming the authenticity of signatures on applications related to adoption, guardianship, or trusteeship.

If a guardian or trustee plans to change their place of residence, including moving abroad, the draft requires written permission from the guardianship authority and the consent of the child if the child is 10 years old or older. The draft also предусматривает participation of a representative of the “Inson” social services centers in cases concerning the reduction of alimony amounts established in favor of a child deprived of parental care.

At the same time, the draft proposes exempting the regional branches of the National Agency for Social Protection from paying state duties in cases where they file claims to recover, in the child’s favor, additional expenses incurred for restoring a child’s health and rehabilitation from individuals deprived of parental rights.

The draft also proposed exempting guardians (trustees) and foster parents from paying state duties when registering an orphan or a child deprived of parental care at their place of residence. However, lawmakers returned the draft for further revision.

Sooner than expected: a Kokand healer arrested

Few people in Uzbekistan have not heard of Kokand-based healer and former singer Iqbol Soliev. He has built a wide following and reportedly attracted patients not only in Uzbekistan but also in countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. Reports also claim he has offered online “treatment.”

However, authorities determined that Soliev continued practicing illegally after the expiration of his certificate issued by the Uzbekistan Association of Traditional Medicine.

The Fergana Regional Department of Internal Affairs reviewed the legality of the activities of Soliev, known as the owner of the “Bio Nur” clinic. It found that he had registered with tax authorities on August 5, 2020, under the activity type “Traditional Medicine,” and that his certificate from the Uzbekistan Association of Traditional Medicine expired on December 12, 2024.

The Kokand City Department of Internal Affairs prepared the relevant documents and sent them to the Kokand City Criminal Court. On January 10, 2025, the court fined the 54-year-old Soliev 7.5 million soums under Article 59⁵(1) of the Code on Administrative Liability (violation of legislation on traditional medicine).

He was also officially warned by law enforcement, taking into account that his social media content had prompted complaints from citizens.

However, officials later said Soliev continued his activities and kept publishing videos online. As a result, on November 27 this year, the Kokand City Department of Internal Affairs prepared additional documents under Article 59⁵(3) of the Code on Administrative Liability (providing diagnosis and treatment services and publicly promoting such services without the required authorization in the field of traditional medicine) and submitted the case to court.

By court order, Soliev was sentenced to 10 days of administrative detention and fined an additional amount equivalent to 20 times the basic calculation value (BHM). Whether he will continue practicing after his release remains unclear.

Sultonov removed from his post

Alisher Sultonov, the former energy minister who in the past became widely known after public statements about gas production and subsequent shortages, was dismissed this week by a presidential decree from his post as the President’s Representative for Energy Security, a position he had held for five months. The reasons for his dismissal have not been disclosed, and no new appointment has been announced. The post remains vacant.

Sultonov is considered one of the officials who held senior positions under two administrations. From 2002 to 2013, he served as director of the Shurtan Gas Chemical Complex. In 2013, he became First Deputy Chairman of the Board of Uzbekneftegaz, and from 2015 to September 2018 he served as Chairman of the Board.

On November 1, 2017, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister responsible for geology, the fuel and energy complex, chemical, petrochemical, and metallurgical industries. On February 1, 2019, he was appointed Uzbekistan’s first Minister of Energy. On April 7, 2022, he resigned citing health reasons.

Earlier, in August 2021, the president publicly criticized the energy sector amid frequent electricity outages affecting businesses, warning that starting from the next year Sultonov would either deliver results or leave the post.

Sultonov later returned to public office in mid-May 2023, reportedly taking the role of presidential adviser on oil and gas, chemicals, and energy. However, official documentation on that appointment was not made public.

He was appointed the President’s Representative for Energy Security on July 14 this year.

Personnel changes in the energy sector did not end there. Uzbekneftegaz JSC Board Chairman Bahodirjon Siddiqov was also dismissed, with officials citing his move to another job. Siddiqov served two terms as head of the company: from February 2019 to January 2020, and again after returning to the post on March 12, 2023.

Abdugani Sanginov replaced him. Sanginov had led Uzbekhydroenergo since 2017. When introducing Sanginov to the Uzbekneftegaz team, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov said the head of state was dissatisfied with the sector. He outlined tasks including restructuring the company in line with international standards, adopting new management approaches, steering strategic projects toward practical outcomes, and reviewing formats of engagement with foreign partners.

Following these changes, a new position of Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance for Oil and Gas was introduced at the president’s instruction.

The president addresses traffic congestion in the capital

This week, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Yunusobod District and held a meeting with Tashkent activists. One of the key topics raised was the adoption of a law “On the Status of the Capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan.”

“The capital is the political, administrative, economic, and cultural center of the state. Managing, developing, and protecting the capital requires specific approaches,” the president said.

In this context, it was proposed to grant the Tashkent City Council the authority to allocate 20 percent of the portion of over-fulfilled revenues returned to the local budget among districts. In addition, the mayor of Tashkent and district mayors would be allowed, with approval from local councils, to place available funds in deposits.

It was emphasized that the time has come to adopt a law defining the legal, economic, and organizational foundations of Tashkent’s functioning. Work on such a law began in October 2018. More than seven years later, the draft has still not been presented to the public, and its content remains unknown.

Tashkent’s permanent population is reportedly growing by around 100,000 annually and is expected to exceed 3.5 million by 2030. This figure reflects official statistics and does not include visitors who are not registered in the city. Many residents therefore believe the actual number of people in the city at any given time is significantly higher. At the meeting, the president noted public dissatisfaction with congestion on roads including Kichik Halqa Yoli, Katta Halqa Yoli, Amir Temur Avenue, Mirzo Ulugbek Street, Shahrisabz Street, Makhtumkuli Street, and Ohangaron Street.

A centralized transport management center will be launched to manage the transport system under a unified approach. The center will analyze vehicle and pedestrian flows at every street and intersection using artificial intelligence, with the goal of preventing congestion and reducing road accidents.

Next year, two vehicle контроль points at the city’s entrances will be relocated outside the city, and three more will be reconstructed. Parking facilities for at least 3,500 груз vehicles and 5,500 passenger cars will be built at these locations, and they will be connected to public transport routes. Visitors arriving in the capital will be able to leave their cars at the entrances and travel by fast and safe public transport.

The city administration has been tasked with launching 100 “smart” intersections equipped with unified, centrally managed traffic lights next year. Additional tasks include building 30,000 parking spaces with private-sector participation, реконструкция of 300 public transport stops, construction of 40 km of pedestrian paths and 20 km of bike lanes, repair of 100 km of roads, and building an overpass and a tunnel in Yunusobod and Yashnobod districts.

Following the presidential visit, Yunusobod received a new district mayor. Bahodir Abduvaliev was replaced by Abrorkhuja Saidaliev. In addition, Elbek Shukurov, who had led Sergeli District for five years, moved to a new position. He was replaced by Davron Ismatov, who has served as head of the Tashkent City Main Department of the Central Bank since February 2024.

Rapid response officer detained after killing pedestrian and disposing of the body in Tashkent Region

A rapid response officer from the Criminal Investigation Department of the Bekobod District Department of Internal Affairs in Tashkent Region struck a 43-year-old man with a vehicle, causing his death. The officer then disposed of the victim’s body by throwing it into a river.

The incident occurred on December 11 at the 64th kilometer of the Qorasuv–Boka–Bekobod highway, which runs through the Qoraquyli neighborhood in Bekobod District. A Nexia-3 vehicle hit a pedestrian, resulting in a traffic accident.

On December 12, the Bekobod District Prosecutor’s Office opened a criminal case under Article 266(2) of the Criminal Code (violation of traffic safety rules or rules for operating vehicles) and Article 117(2) (leaving a person in danger). A preventive measure in the form of detention was applied to the suspect. оператив-search measures to locate the victim’s body are ongoing.