Tax on performers, blackmail schemes and rising violence — Weekly analysis

Cruel, brutal, savage, ruthless… These are just words when read, but every day thousands of innocent lives experience their meaning firsthand. Among them are those who cannot speak, cry or ask for help. These incidents reflect growing concerns about humanity. Aggression is increasing, and cruelty is no longer seen as shameful. The strong often disregard the weak, not only at the individual level but even at the level of states. These issues are not abstract — they have real and visible consequences. Those who fail the test of humanity once again find themselves at the center of public attention. This is the weekly analysis by Qalampir.uz. 

Throughout the week, several disturbing videos circulated on social media, many of which were difficult to watch due to their brutality. One of the most widely discussed cases involved animal cruelty. Individuals who tortured and killed cats sparked widespread outrage. Surveillance footage showed two people in separate incidents kicking, crushing and attempting to smash the animals’ heads, and even shooting them with a hunting weapon.

The videos also showed individuals filming the abuse while laughing. In another case, a person set a trap that caused a cat to hang and die, later boasting about the act. Regardless of the circumstances, such actions cannot be justified.

Following public discussion, authorities issued an official response. According to preliminary investigations by law enforcement in Tashkent region, the incident occurred in December 2025 at a hotel in the Yangiqo‘rg‘on neighborhood of Bo‘stonliq district. No complaints had been filed with authorities at the time.

It may be assumed that the animals had caused some disturbance, possibly by entering the premises or consuming food, which led to such aggression from staff. However, even under such circumstances, the killing of animals in such a cruel manner cannot be justified. Cruelty has no limits; it only changes its form.

From a psychological perspective, violence against defenseless animals may indicate an inability to control aggression and can pose a broader threat to society. Studies suggest that individuals who harm animals may later direct similar behavior toward vulnerable groups such as women and children. Therefore, this issue should be viewed not only as animal cruelty but also as a matter of public safety and moral responsibility. As Leo Tolstoy once noted, “There is only one step from killing animals to killing people.”

According to available information, one of the perpetrators was 33 years old, while the other, who used a weapon, was 30. A court sentenced one individual to 15 days of administrative detention for animal cruelty, while the other received 10 days for illegal handling of a weapon. Social media users later criticized the penalties as insufficient and called for stricter measures.

Amid public condemnation of animal abuse, another serious incident occurred in Tashkent, where a man deliberately drove a Tracker vehicle into his former spouse and her acquaintances in broad daylight.

The incident, which took place on March 26, involved a 27-year-old driver. Videos showed two individuals sustaining injuries, with one reportedly losing consciousness. According to official information, both victims were hospitalized with minor injuries. Later, additional footage emerged suggesting that the driver had been assaulted shortly before the incident during a dispute.

Investigations revealed that the man had divorced his spouse and had ongoing conflicts related to child access and workplace issues. He had reportedly demanded that his former spouse be dismissed from her job and had insulted her employer. As tensions escalated, the employer’s husband also became involved and physically assaulted the driver. It was later reported that the driver is currently hospitalized.

Although described as a personal dispute within a family, the Tracker incident reflects a broader issue of uncontrolled aggression in society. This problem is not limited to adults; it is increasingly visible among younger individuals who have yet to fully develop a sense of responsibility.

Another case occurred in the Urgut district of Samarkand region. On March 22, an 11th-grade student drove a Gentra without parental permission, reportedly influenced by reckless online content, and struck a five-year-old girl.

In a particularly alarming detail, the teenager fled the scene instead of helping the injured child or taking responsibility for his actions. Authorities later located the driver, and the child’s condition was reported as stable. However, the incident raised serious concerns about parental responsibility, youth behavior and respect for the law.

These three incidents — animal cruelty in Bo‘stonliq, the vehicle attack in Tashkent and the hit-and-run case in Urgut — are interconnected and reflect deeper societal issues. While laws can be strengthened, lasting solutions require a change in social attitudes and personal responsibility.

Another growing concern is the spread of misinformation for online attention. In Navoi region, a blogger was fined for falsely reporting that a woman had died following a domestic dispute.

The incident, which occurred on March 18, was later clarified as a family disagreement without serious harm. However, misleading content fueled public panic and speculation. The blogger, seeking to gain views and engagement, shared unverified information and exposed a family’s private life to public scrutiny.

A court fined the blogger nearly 19 million soums for spreading false information. The individuals involved in the disturbance were also held accountable for minor violations of public order.

Social media is increasingly being used not only as a platform for attention but also as a tool for criminal activity. In Tashkent’s Chilonzor district, a group posed as women offering intimate services to lure men and extort money.

The group, consisting of young individuals born between 2005 and 2008, invited victims to a residence, assaulted them, recorded compromising videos and threatened to release the footage unless paid 10 million soums.

Criminal proceedings have been initiated under extortion charges. Authorities noted that those involved may now face serious legal consequences.

A draft presidential resolution also proposes new regulations for performers and event hosts. Under the proposal, artists and hosts will be required to pay taxes on income earned from weddings and celebrations. The tax amount will depend on the performer’s rating and the venue, calculated based on a base rate.

Starting from September 1, 2026, all such services must be registered through the Soliq mobile application. By 2029, taxes will be automatically deducted from linked bank cards. Failure to report income will be considered a serious violation of licensing rules. Individuals who report violations may receive 20 percent of the collected fines as a reward.

The events reviewed this week highlight serious challenges facing society. Each of these incidents serves as a warning. Without greater awareness, responsibility and accountability, such issues may continue to escalate.