Young man in Samarkand jailed over alleged insult to Prophet Muhammad (video)

Reports alleging that an unknown individual insulted Prophet Muhammad on social media circulated widely online and sparked public debate. On January 9, the person involved was sentenced to 12 days of administrative detention, the Samarkand Regional Department of Internal Affairs told QALAMPIR.UZ.

Following an inquiry, authorities said that on December 30, 2025, an individual born in 2004 used his personal social media profile to post content in the comments section of a Telegram channel that was deemed to promote religious hatred.

During the pre-investigation review, officials said the person’s actions were given a legal assessment and an administrative report was drawn up under Article 184³ of Uzbekistan’s Code of Administrative Responsibility. The materials were then forwarded to the court for a decision.

According to a decision issued by the Pakhtachi District Criminal Court on January 9, 2026, the court found that the individual’s actions contained elements of an offense under Article 184³ of the Code of Administrative Responsibility and ordered 12 days of administrative arrest.

The department also reminded the public that producing, storing, or distributing materials that promote national, racial, ethnic, or religious hatred may result in liability under Uzbekistan’s legislation. “Do not forget that punishment is inevitable for any illegal act,” the statement said.

It is worth noting that earlier, an individual who allegedly insulted Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on social media while abroad was sentenced to four years in prison.