Investigation Underway in Ferghana Region Following Incident Involving Law Enforcement and a Farming Enterprise

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — An incident occurred in Ferghana Region involving a farmer whose home was visited by law enforcement officers in connection with the execution of the cotton harvest plan.

Reports on social media claimed that a prevention inspector and other officials acted on the orders of the Hokim (district head) of Rishtan District. However, local authorities have denied this information.

The Hokimiyat clarified that in July 2025, a meeting was held with the participation of the district Hokim to discuss the operation of farming enterprises during the harvest season. The main objectives of the meeting were to oversee grain harvesting, ensure safety, assist farmers, and address any arising issues. The head of the farming enterprise “Bulakbashi Gulshani” was present at the meeting, but no instructions involving pressure, threats, violence, or coercion toward farmers were given.

It was emphasized that, according to the law, a district Hokim does not have the authority to directly issue orders to prevention inspectors. The functions and powers of district Hokims are clearly defined by legislation, including the Law “On Local Self-Government.”

The situation has also been brought under the supervision of the Business Ombudsman.

The Business Ombudsman stressed that the lawful activities of farming enterprises, as entrepreneurial entities, are guaranteed by law, and any unjustified pressure or use of force is unacceptable.

State authorities have called for restraint from unlawful actions against entrepreneurs, and the incident is currently under investigation by the Office of the Business Ombudsman.