Artem Khalikov Released After Arrest in Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —Artem Khalikov was released on 9 May after detention linked to a police incident involving minor.

Earlier, Khalikov was detained for seven days of administrative arrest following the publication of a video that went viral on social media. The footage reportedly showed a patrol police officer in a mountainous area with a 14-year-old girl and her adult friend.

According to Khalikov, he attempted to open the vehicle doors and remove the minor from the situation, but the vehicle left the scene. His mother, Ekaterina Khalikova, stated that her son arrived at the location after the schoolgirl allegedly sent him a geolocation via Telegram and asked for help. These claims have not been officially confirmed.

Law enforcement authorities in Tashkent region stated that the girls were voluntarily inside the police officer’s vehicle and that no illegal actions inside the car were recorded.

Following the publication of the video, the police officer was temporarily suspended pending an internal investigation. Authorities later stated that Khalikov had spread unverified information. After his arrest, he recorded a video apology, saying he had been misinformed.

Ekaterina Khalikova later claimed the apology was made under pressure, alleging that her son was subjected to physical coercion and denied access to a lawyer. She also alleged pressure on herself and claimed that some officials suggested she take responsibility for the incident. These statements have not been independently confirmed.

After serving the administrative arrest, Khalikov was not immediately released and was instead transferred to an investigative unit under the prosecutor’s office as part of a new inquiry, reportedly related to the dissemination of false information.

The Ombudsman’s Office reported procedural irregularities, including restricted access to legal counsel and questions regarding the legality of detention, and sent a supervisory letter to the Prosecutor General’s Office.

On 6 May, an ombudsman representative visited the detention facility, spoke with Khalikov, and reviewed his conditions of detention. According to official information, no complaints were filed by the detainee.

After his release, Khalikov published a video message thanking Saida Mirziyoyeva, an assistant in the Presidential Administration, and the administration itself for their attention to his case and what he described as their “concern for ordinary people.”

Reports circulating on social media also claimed that Khalikov had his hair cut while in detention. No official authorities have issued public comments regarding these allegations.

Law enforcement agencies and state institutions have not provided detailed public explanations regarding the circumstances of the case or the versions circulating online.