Uzbek MP Calls for Life Imprisonment for Sexual Abuse of Children

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Dilnoza Azizova, a deputy of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and member of the Democratic Party “Milliy Tiklanish,” has called for harsher penalties for sexual abuse of children. Her statement follows a high-profile case in Namangan region.

In Yangikurgan district, a 38-year-old man raped his seven-year-old relative. He was detained two days later. Previously, he had been convicted twice for similar crimes, but both sentences had been partially commuted to corrective labor.

“The case in Namangan is not just the heinous act of one pedophile, but a reflection of a system that has long excused such crimes with lenient measures,” Azizova said. “One cannot gamble with a child’s life. This is not merely a crime; it is an act against humanity. When pedophiles receive sentence reductions for ‘good behavior’ and are allowed back into society, it reflects the state’s true attitude toward children. The law must be strict not only on paper but in practice. For these offenders, there can be no forgiveness, leniency, or concessions.”

The deputy noted that amendments have already been made to the Criminal Code, prohibiting the replacement of unserved prison terms with lighter punishments for individuals convicted of rape or sexual assault of minors in perverted forms.

Azizova emphasized that every such case contradicts the often-heard phrase that “children are the nation’s future.” She insisted that a society that shows leniency toward pedophiles undermines its own future.

“My demand is categorical: it is time to legally establish life imprisonment for any form of sexual abuse against children,” the deputy stated.