History Teacher in Samarkand Region Receives 12-Day Arrest for Offensive Comment About Prophet Muhammad

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In the Pakhtachi district of Samarkand region, a 21-year-old history teacher was sentenced to 12 days of administrative arrest for posting an offensive comment about Prophet Muhammad on a Telegram channel.

The comment was published on 30 December 2025, and on 7 January screenshots circulated on social media accompanied by calls to hold the author accountable.

On 9 January, law enforcement officers examined the teacher’s phone and confirmed that the message was indeed authored by him.

A protocol was drawn up against the young man under Article 184-3 of the Code of Administrative Liability of Uzbekistan — “Production, storage, or dissemination of materials promoting national, racial, ethnic, or religious hostility,” which carries a fine of 50 to 100 base calculation units or administrative arrest for up to 15 days, along with confiscation of the materials and means used to produce and distribute them.

The same day, a court session was held during which the teacher admitted his guilt. The court sentenced him to 12 days of arrest, ordered the confiscation and destruction of his phone, and restricted the use of his personal Telegram account to prevent further violations.

Additionally, the teacher is required to pay 741,600 soums to cover the costs of detention.