Uzbekistan Fines Nika Farm for Using Historical Figures in Drug Ad

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A pharmaceutical company has been fined in Uzbekistan after running a nasal spray advertisement that depicted Amir Temur, Avicenna, Julius Caesar, and Napoleon Bonaparte as apparent users of the product.

Uzbekistan's Committee for Competition Development and Consumer Rights Protection announced the violation following a review of advertising materials produced by Nika Farm. The video advertisement for a nasal spray featured dramatized scenes implying that several historical figures — including Amir Temur, George Washington, Avicenna, Julius Caesar, Alisher Navoi, and Napoleon Bonaparte — had used the preparation.

The Committee ruled that presenting historical figures in this manner constitutes a use of their images contrary to accepted norms of morality and ethics, and amounts to disrespect toward prominent historical personalities.

Authorities cited Article 16 of Uzbekistan's Law on Advertising, which prohibits the use of forms, expressions, and imagery that contradict national and family traditions or generally accepted moral standards.

Nika Farm has been issued a formal order to remedy the violations and prevent their recurrence, and has been subjected to a financial penalty. The amount of the fine was not disclosed.