Our people have recognized those who provoked with the bloody Soviet flag – Alisher Kadyrov

On May 9, footage circulated on social media showing an altercation between pro-Soviet youth and a group of young people holding Uzbekistan’s national flag during Victory Day celebrations in Tashkent. The Day of Memory and Honor, which commemorates those lost in World War II, turned tense as differing interpretations of the day’s meaning clashed.

In the video, a group participating in the "Immortal Regiment" march—waving Soviet flags and singing Soviet-era songs—objected to the patriotic performance by Uzbek youth who sang “We will sacrifice ourselves, Uzbekistan.” One woman, speaking in a chauvinistic tone, accused the group of disrupting their event, alleging it was funded by USAID and organized at the direction of Alisher Kadyrov, leader of the "Milliy Tiklanish" Democratic Party.

To clarify the situation, QALAMPIR.UZ reached out to MP Alisher Kadyrov for comment.

Kadyrov emphasized that Uzbekistan marks May 9 not only to honor World War II victims but also to remember the intellectuals who were repressed in earlier struggles for national independence.

 “We must learn to value ourselves. We see how nations and states that do not value themselves fall into decline. A nation must value its identity and understand its history,” Kadyrov stated.

Responding to those waving Soviet flags, Kadyrov pointed out that the international community is well aware of who is behind provocations across former Soviet territories and who finances such activities. He rejected the woman’s accusations as baseless slander.

 “Our people are well aware of those who raise the bloody Soviet flag and incite provocations. They know who is financing this, what their goals are, and what lies behind this gossip and slander. Public consciousness will not change just because two people go out and make accusations. Our people have long recognized the provocateurs—they hold no influence,” he said.

When asked whether he would pursue legal action against the woman who made defamatory remarks, Kadyrov said he does not intend to take the matter to court.

 “I won’t say ‘my dignity has been slandered’ and take it to court. That would only serve their interests. But we must be aware that there are provocateurs among us,” he noted.

He also warned that incidents similar to this one have occurred in neighboring Kyrgyzstan, where certain Russian nationals were expelled for inciting conflict, and that similar provocations are now emerging in Uzbekistan.

It is worth recalling that earlier, Bobur Bekmurodov, Chairman of the nationwide "Yuksalish" movement and a member of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, stated that raising the flag of the USSR in Uzbekistan should be viewed as support for foreign communist ideologies that contradict the country's current constitutional order.