The law enforcement agencies of Samarkand region have started an investigation based on a complaint filed by a citizen of the Russian Federation. This was reported by Upl.uz.
The complaint alleges that the woman was subjected to sexual violence by a taxi driver. This incident has become known to the public through the "NeMolchi" project, raising serious questions about the investigation process and the protection of the victim's rights.
According to documents, the woman arrived in Samarkand for treatment on July 5, 2025. On July 12, she used a taxi service to go to a local beach.
According to the victim, after the driver brought her to the water, he assaulted her. The victim immediately reported to the nearby internal affairs department.
There, she was asked to hand over her phone and was taken to another department. Ultimately, the woman stated that she was forced to sign a complaint that she had not written.
A medical examination was conducted during the investigation. Doctors identified significant swelling and bodily injuries.
A gynecological examination also confirmed the bodily injuries. According to the blood test, there were no signs of alcohol consumption in the woman.
In the next stage, a face-to-face meeting was held with the suspected driver, during which he categorically denied the allegations. On July 14, the woman was taken from a private clinic wearing gloves and placed in a temporary detention facility.
She spent one night there and was released afterward. From July 19 to 22, she underwent examination at a psychiatric hospital, but according to official information, the examination was not completed.
On July 16, the woman contacted the consular department of the Russian Federation embassy in Tashkent. The diplomats advised her to write a formal complaint and wait for an official response.
To date, the victim is demanding the appointment of a qualified lawyer and a thorough, fair investigation. She has stated that there is no communication with the investigative authorities.
Official agencies have not yet commented. Civil society and human rights organizations are calling on officials to provide explanations regarding the situation soon.
If instances of abuse of powers by law enforcement agencies are confirmed, those responsible should be held legally accountable. In recent years, legislation regarding sexual violence crimes has been strengthened in Uzbekistan.
For example, recently, a person found guilty of committing a violent crime against a minor girl was sentenced to 12 years in prison, and the victim was provided with necessary assistance. In April 2023, a law was adopted in the country declaring domestic violence a crime and strengthening penalties for sexual violence.
This law annulled the agreement between the parties in cases of violent crimes. This was an important step in reforming national legislation in the field of protecting the rights of women and children.
