School principal in Surkhandarya sentenced to 4 years for taking a 2 million soum bribe

In the Termez district of Surkhandarya region, the principal of School No. 36 has been sentenced to four years in prison for accepting a bribe of 2 million soums from a deputy. QALAMPIR.UZ reviewed the court documents.

According to case materials, at the beginning of 2026, staff reductions at the school led to the need to redistribute teaching hours among teachers. During this process, discussions were held regarding the retention of certain employees and the allocation of additional teaching hours.

Investigators reported that the principal demanded money in exchange for retaining the position of the deputy principal for spiritual and educational affairs or allocating additional teaching hours to them. The principal reportedly claimed to be facing financial difficulties due to personal spending on improving the school’s heating system.

According to the case details, the employee handed over 1 million soums and a bank card to the principal at the latter’s request. Audio recordings and other evidence related to these incidents were later submitted to the investigative authorities.

Subsequently, the deputy principal filed a complaint with law enforcement agencies, citing pressure and the unresolved issue of continued employment. Based on the complaint, an inspection was conducted, confirming that the principal had received money. During the investigation, the principal admitted to taking 2 million soums, and a formal record of repayment was drawn up.

The Termez District Criminal Court found the principal guilty under Article 210 of the Criminal Code (accepting a bribe). The court sentenced the defendant to four years of imprisonment and imposed a two-year ban on holding managerial positions.