A criminal case has been initiated against a suspect who forced a minor into prostitution

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Videos showing acts of violence and coercion against a minor girl forced into prostitution have been circulated on social networks. These images have caused a wide public outcry.

In connection with this incident, the internal affairs bodies conducted an inspection and established the identities of all participants in the video.

During the investigative measures, it was established that citizen Sh.T. (born in 2004), who had a previous conviction, was holding M.M. (born in 2008), a minor acquaintance, in a house located in the Mirzo-Ulugbek district of Tashkent city. The suspect took the victim's mobile phone and subsequently sold it.

Furthermore, Sh.T. systematically exerted psychological pressure and used violence against the girl, taking advantage of her helpless state.

Based on this fact, the Andijan Regional Department of Internal Affairs initiated a criminal case against Sh.T. under Articles 138 (Rape), 135 (Human Trafficking), and 166 (Robbery) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

A measure of restraint in the form of custody has been chosen for the suspect.

Currently, the victim, M.M., is receiving psychological, legal, and social assistance from the Main Department of the National Agency for Social Protection for the Andijan region.