Society news

According to the information service of the Tashkent region customs department, 143 smartphones hidden from customs were detected. This was reported by Upl.uz. Employees of the anti-smuggling department of the Tashkent region customs department, in cooperation with the State Security Service border troops and the "Yallama" border customs post staff, conducted an additional inspection of a cargo truck entering Uzbekistan from Kazakhstan. It was revealed that the truck belonged to private property. During the inspection, several boxes were found hidden in the cargo compartment, and it was determined that they contained various mobile phones. A total of 143 mobile devices were found and confiscated for being concealed from customs control. The total value of these mobile phones amounts to 512 million soums. Each phone was individually placed in a polyethylene bag and wrapped in bubble protective film, without packaging or documents provided by the manufacturer. A criminal case has been initiated regarding this incident, and investigative actions are underway.

According to the press service of the Jizzakh Enforcement Bureau, the company building was seized due to tax debt. This was reported by Upl.uz. An enforcement case was initiated at the Jizzakh City Enforcement Bureau to recover a tax debt of 500 million soums from LLC "W.S." During the enforcement actions, the organization's bank accounts and property were seized. It is also noted that the company's real estate was seized. If the company does not pay the debt from its own funds within the prescribed legal period, all seized property will be put up for sale through an online auction platform. The proceeds from the sale will be fully directed to repay the debt. If the amount received from the sale exceeds the debt, the excess money will be returned to the company. This measure is aimed at accelerating the recovery of tax debts and ensuring legality.

Information has spread on social networks that Dilfuza Toshmatova, the deputy governor of Sariosiyo district and responsible for women's affairs, forced local activists to work in the square, insulting and threatening them. This was reported by Upl.uz. Toshmatova said, “The norm is five people. Tomorrow, 150 people must completely clean the square. The farmer must run away from us and not invite us again, for that we need more people,” she said. She addressed the activists harshly, saying, “If you come early and meet the norm, we will all leave early. Why is no one here yet? Are you a woman or not, shameless? If you come, come here quickly, if you don’t want to work, leave!” The press service of the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations of the Republic of Uzbekistan investigated the situation and provided a comment. As a result of the investigation, it was confirmed that the deputy governor of Sariosiyo district gave instructions to local activists to forcibly involve 5-10 citizens in cotton picking. An administrative fine of 50 base calculation units was imposed on her under part one of article 51 of the Code of Administrative Liability. This is the minimum penalty established by law. Forced labor is prohibited under article 5 of the Labor Code. In addition, forced labor may result in a fine ranging from 50 to 100 base calculation units under part one of article 51. Citizens were reminded of the opportunity to contact 1176 or (71) 200-06-00, and confidentiality is guaranteed.

During an urgent operation conducted by the State Security Service officers, a person suspected of financial fraud was detained. This was reported by Upl.uz. The operation took place in Qarshi city, Qashqadaryo region. The detained individual is the deputy chairman of the regional council of the "Vatanparvar" organization, and he was caught in his office while receiving 20 million soms. The money was pre-marked with a special chemical substance. According to the suspect, he promised to help a citizen's son obtain a driver's license without taking the exam in exchange for this amount. Based on this case, a criminal case was initiated under Article 168, Part 3 — fraud, and Article 211, Part 1 — assisting in bribery of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The suspect may face imprisonment for seven to eight years. Currently, the investigation is ongoing. Additional information regarding this case will be provided.

When talking about the Sultan's harem, many imagine it merely as a collection of women with beautiful and unique appearances. This was reported by Upl.uz. In reality, the path to entering the harem was very complex, and outward appearance was not the only criterion. Women underwent a strict selection process, where not only their beauty but also their intelligence, health, upbringing, and personal charm were evaluated. Girls came to the harem through various means: they could be brought by their parents, sold through subdued markets, or brought after military campaigns. In any case, each woman was carefully examined. Extraordinary and memorable appearance, well-groomed hair, and fair skin — all these were considered signs of respect. However, the most important criterion was perfect health. The women in the harem were prepared not only for entertainment but also for palace life. They were taught music, dance, poetry writing, etiquette, and the art of speech. The ability to continue a conversation and be an interesting interlocutor was highly valued alongside appearance. These qualities allowed them to become the Sultan's favorite women and even his advisors, helping to influence his decisions. Life behind the closed doors of the harem was far from laziness. The women paid special attention to themselves, visited baths, and used natural beauty products. Many had their own jewelry and financial independence, and some even had the right to refuse the Sultan. This situation contradicted the stereotypes shown in many films, including the series "Magnificent Century." The Sultan's favorite women became state-level figures who could influence his political decisions. The lives of famous figures like Hürrem Sultan show that in the Ottoman Empire, the path to power could also pass through the walls of the harem. The life of the women in the harem was a mixture of luxury, strict rules, and constant competition. This was not a story about beauty dolls but about women capable of finding their place through intellect, willpower, and political play. They worked hard to strengthen their position beside the ruler.

Dilfuza Toshmatova, deputy governor of Sariosiyo district, has been at the center of a controversy related to forcing people to pick cotton. This was reported by Upl.uz. According to the Kun.uz news agency, she demanded that five people from each neighborhood be involved in fieldwork. Those who resisted the coercion faced humiliation and threats. Toshmatova called the women "conscience-less" and threatened to dismiss those unwilling to participate in the picking. The district deputy emphasized that each activist must take five people out so that a total of 150 workers quickly clear the field. She demanded the work be done quickly and in large quantities, hoping that farmers would avoid her and not call her again. While talking with activists, Toshmatova insisted in a firm tone that they come to the field earlier and meet the set quota. She stated that those who wished could write a resignation letter and quit, otherwise it was necessary to complete the assigned task without complaints. She said: "If you come earlier and meet the quota, we will all finish early. Why is no one here yet? Aren't you a woman, are you conscience-less? If you have come, come quickly; if you don't want to work, leave!" Dilfuza Toshmatova has been serving as deputy governor for family and women's affairs since 2022.

According to the press service of the capital's main department of road traffic safety, appropriate measures have been taken against the person who violated traffic rules. This was reported by Upl.uz. A video clip featuring the driver of a "Malibu" car and a road traffic control inspector circulated on social media. The inspector stopped the driver because the car's front windshield was tinted beyond the standards set by the state. However, the driver called an unknown person, handed his mobile phone to the inspector, and after the conversation, was released without any legal action taken. Following the dissatisfaction of social media users and widespread public protest, road traffic control officers found the violator and placed his car in the impound lot. It is worth noting that the tinting film was removed from the car's front windshield at the impound lot. An administrative protocol was drawn up under the article of the Administrative Liability Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan titled "Operation of vehicles equipped with windows that limit visibility, as well as vehicles equipped with tinted or reflective films." The violator may be fined 25 base calculation units, which amounts to 10 million 300 thousand soums.

According to the press service of the Tashkent Region Department of Internal Affairs, a case of possession and storage of narcotics for sale has been identified. This was reported by Upl.uz. A special rapid operation was conducted by law enforcement officers. Based on the information obtained during the operation, a search was carried out at the residence of a person born in 1992 living in the "Oybek" neighborhood of Pskent district, Tashkent region. During the investigation, "marijuana" narcotics were found in polyethylene bags, tea box containers, and small plastic bags belonging to this individual. In total, 4 bags, 24 tea boxes, and 10 small plastic bags were discovered. Additionally, marijuana was found stored in one plastic container. All seized narcotics were taken as evidence and added to the case materials. A criminal case has been initiated under Article 273, Part 5 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan regarding this incident. The accused may face up to 20 years of imprisonment for this crime.

The Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan has announced a comprehensive reconstruction of Shota Rustaveli Street. This was reported by Upl.uz. This project is aimed at organizing traffic flow more efficiently and improving infrastructure for all road users. Upon completion of the reconstruction, the street will be divided into 10 traffic lanes. Of these, 6 lanes will be for cars, 2 lanes will be allocated for public transport located in the center, and there will also be 2 lanes on the sides designated for parking spaces. The project includes the construction of 11 new bus stops, the creation of parking spaces for approximately 500 cars, and the establishment of dedicated bicycle lanes. To ensure road safety, 21 pedestrian and bicycle crossings will be equipped. These changes will significantly enhance the efficiency of public transport. According to the Ministry of Transport, the number of bus trips will increase from 2,069 to 2,868 per day, which is a 40 percent rise. The passenger flow will double, reaching 300,000 people per day. The average travel time by bus will decrease from 25 minutes to 18 minutes, while the average speed will increase from 18.5 to 23.6 kilometers per hour. The interval between bus movements will be reduced to 7 minutes. This will create convenience for passengers and improve the efficiency of the transport system.

The Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan has announced a comprehensive reconstruction of Shota Rustaveli Street. This was reported by Upl.uz. This project is aimed at optimizing traffic flow and improving infrastructure for road users. After the reconstruction works, the street will be divided into a total of ten lanes. Six of these lanes will be allocated for cars, two lanes in the center will be designated for public transport, and two lanes will be intended for roadside parking. The project also includes the construction of 11 new bus stops, the creation of approximately 500 parking spaces, and the establishment of dedicated bicycle lanes. To ensure safety, 21 pedestrian and bicycle crossings will be equipped. According to the Ministry of Transport, these changes will significantly increase the efficiency of public transport. The number of bus trips will increase from 2,069 to 2,868 per day, which is a 40 percent rise. The passenger flow will double, reaching 300,000 people per day. The average travel time on the bus will decrease from 25 minutes to 18 minutes, while the average speed will increase from 18.5 km/h to 23.6 km/h. The interval between bus movements will be reduced to 7 minutes. These changes will serve to improve convenience and safety for passengers.

Uzbekistan has improved its position in the international passport rankings. This was reported by Upl.uz. In the ranking compiled by the consulting company Henley & Partners, the country moved up from 74th to 72nd place, sharing this position with Mozambique. Currently, Uzbek citizens can travel to 62 countries without a visa or with the possibility of obtaining a visa upon arrival. Singapore holds the first place in the ranking of the strongest passports. Singaporean citizens have visa-free access to 193 countries. At the bottom of the ranking is Afghanistan, whose passport holders have visa-free access to only 25 countries. The positive change in the ranking reflects the increased international prestige of Uzbekistan and the government's efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations and develop ties with other countries. This means more freedom and fewer administrative barriers for the country's citizens when traveling abroad.

In many multi-apartment buildings in Tashkent, the practice of collecting informal payments for temporarily shutting off water supply networks has developed and is widely used. This was reported by Upl.uz. This issue has become a topic of broad public discussion, with the capital's residents trying to determine the legality of these actions. Sanitary technicians from management companies demanding service fees to carry out planned repair work have sparked various debates among the population. The payment amounts reported by city residents usually range from 50,000 to 200,000 soums, even though this simple procedure takes only a few minutes. Discussions on social networks and local forums show two opposing opinions. The first group considers informal payments illegal. According to them, communal payments for maintaining common property, including water pipes in basements, have already been transferred to the management company. Therefore, the working sanitary technicians should not demand additional fees to perform their duties. The second group accepts such payments as existing norms in practice. They believe that payment for shutting off water is especially necessary when repair work is carried out by a specialist not affiliated with the management company. If the apartment owner calls the management company's sanitary technician, the water shutoff service is usually provided free of charge. However, when an external specialist is involved, official sanitary technicians consider water shutoff a separate paid service. The main problem raised by many in the discussions is the lack of transparency in financial transactions. Often, payment for the service is given directly to the sanitary technician without a receipt and is not processed through the management company's cash desk. This leads to a significant amount of funds entering the black market and deprives residents of the opportunity to assess the service cost or quality. Demanding official payment often causes the worker to refuse to perform the job, which puts the apartment owner in a difficult situation. From a legal standpoint, this issue has not yet been regulated. Current housing legislation prohibits residents from independently accessing basement rooms and performing work related to common engineering networks, as this falls under the authority of the management company. At the same time, there are no clear legal rules regarding whether the water shutoff service is paid or free and what tariffs apply. This legal uncertainty leads to the emergence of informal relations, where interactions between residents and communal service employees are regulated not by law but by personal agreements. Intervention by the relevant authorities is necessary to regulate this situation. The Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services should officially clarify the issue and establish uniform rules for all participants. This will help determine whether the water shutoff service is part of the standard service package or a separate paid service. Many multi-apartment buildings constructed during the Soviet era, especially in Tashkent, have water supply systems designed so that there is no individual water shutoff valve in each apartment. Therefore, any repair work requires shutting off the entire water network, which affects the interests of all neighbors vertically.

The press service of Uzenergoinspeksiya reported the detection of illegal use of natural gas in Navoi region. This was reported by Upl.uz. Control measures were carried out by the staff of the Uzenergoinspeksiya department of Navoi region. During the inspections, the activities of the "B.V.O." sports complex in Navbahor district were examined. The inspection revealed that the gas equipment of the sports complex was illegally connected to the gas supply. According to preliminary calculations, the total damage caused amounts to 1 billion soms. The collected documents were sent to the investigative authorities, and a preliminary investigation was scheduled. At the conclusion of the investigation, all responsible persons' actions will be legally evaluated, and a decision will be made to initiate a criminal case. The responsible persons of the sports complex may face imprisonment for up to 15 years under Article 169, Part 4 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Information was published by the press service of the Ministry of Justice. Upl.uz reported on this. It was stated that the absence of a residential lease agreement or the provision of a building, structure, or separate rooms for free use may lead to administrative liability. Additionally, failure to comply with the deadlines for mandatory registration of real estate lease agreements with the state tax authorities also results in administrative liability. For such violations, the articles of the Administrative Liability Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan concerning “The absence of a lease agreement (or free use agreement) and failure to register the lease with the state tax authorities” are applied. According to this article, the fine amount is set from 5 to 10 base calculation units, which corresponds to a fine ranging from 2,060,000 to 4,120,000 soums. As emphasized by representatives of the ministry, ignorance of the laws does not exempt from liability. According to experts, drafting a lease agreement and registering it with the tax authorities is not only an official requirement but also a legal protection tool for both the lessee and the lessor. The agreement clearly defines the conditions for using the residential premises: term, price, payment procedure, and the rights and obligations of the parties. In case of disputes, for example, related to eviction, debt, or repairs, the lease agreement is the main legal document for resolution. Moreover, registering the agreement ensures transparency of financial transactions and allows the state to monitor the tax base.

According to the press service of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan, citizen A. This was reported by Upl.uz. The court proceedings regarding Shukurov have begun. He has been charged under several articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Specifically, charges include Part 2 of Article 104 (intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm), Parts 3 and 4 of Article 168 (fraud), and Part 3 of Article 277 (vagrancy). This case is being heard in the Mirzo Ulugbek district criminal court. At the first court session held on September 4, 2025, A. Shukurov's defenders requested the court to transfer the case from an open to a closed hearing. This request was explained by the necessity to protect the family members of the defendant, as personal and family information might be disclosed during the court proceedings. Additionally, the lawyers relied on the presumption of innocence. The court granted this request. It should be recalled that on March 16, 2025, A. Shukurov struck a person near a nighttime establishment in the Yakkasaray district of Tashkent city. The victim fell, hit their head, lost consciousness, and fell into a coma. After the incident, A. Shukurov attempted to evade the court by fleeing to Kazakhstan. He was quickly apprehended there and extradited to Uzbekistan. Initially, he was charged only under Article 104 (intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm). Later, during the investigation, charges of fraud and vagrancy were also added. The Supreme Court has not yet disclosed the reasons for the charges; detailed information will be provided to the public after the court proceedings conclude, and the final court decision will be announced.

According to the press service of the Road Traffic Safety Department of the Sirdaryo Region Internal Affairs Directorate, a traffic accident occurred around 16:30 on September 6, 2023, on Uzbekistan Avenue in the city of Guliston. This was reported by Upl.uz. The driver of a BYD Song vehicle stopped to let a pedestrian pass. The driver of a Nexia-3 vehicle moving from behind was unable to stop in time, and the cars collided. The main cause of the accident was the Nexia-3 driver’s failure to maintain a safe distance. No one was injured in the above traffic accident; only the vehicles sustained technical damage. Currently, officers of the Guliston City Internal Affairs Department are conducting an investigation at the scene to determine all the details of the incident and to make a lawful decision. The internal affairs authorities urge all drivers to strictly follow traffic rules and stay alert on the roads. Compliance with traffic safety rules is important for every driver and pedestrian, as it helps prevent traffic accidents. Additionally, maintaining a safe distance and adapting driving to road conditions is always required.

The press service of the Traffic Safety Department of the Tashkent City Internal Affairs Directorate provided information about the road traffic accident. This was reported by Upl.uz. On September 7 of this year, at approximately 21:30, a road traffic accident occurred on Ahmad Donish Street in the Yunusabad district of Tashkent city. The driver of a BYD vehicle violated traffic rules, exceeded the permitted speed, and lost control. As a result, the car collided with a traffic light pole. Due to the impact, the vehicle started to spin and sustained serious technical damage. No one was injured as a result of the incident. Currently, law enforcement officers are conducting an investigation into the event. All details of the incident will be clarified based on the investigation results. The Traffic Safety Department of Tashkent City calls on all road users to strictly follow traffic rules and not to exceed the speed limit.

The Tashkent administration is taking new measures to ensure price transparency and improve convenience at food fairs aimed at the population. This was reported by Upl.uz. The press service of the Tashkent city administration announced this. The initiative proposed by the city administration and the Department for Combating Economic Crimes is aimed at enabling the population to purchase products at fair prices. Recently, complaints have increased on social networks about products being sold at some fairs at prices higher than those announced, causing dissatisfaction among the population. To address this issue and prevent speculation, the administration has begun installing video surveillance cameras at trading stalls. Currently, cameras have been installed at the Mirabad farmers' market and the "Eski Juva" (Chorsu) market. In the near future, it is planned to implement video surveillance systems in all major markets in the capital. This measure will ensure strict control over prices and help prevent their unjustified increase.

Official information was released by the press service of the Tashkent City Internal Affairs Department. This was reported by Upl.uz. A resident of Tashkent city filed a complaint stating that 19 million soms mysteriously disappeared from their bank plastic card. The funds were stored on their plastic card. Based on the complaint, investigative actions were initiated by the internal affairs authorities. As a result of the conducted checks, a person involved in the crime was identified and apprehended. The suspect was a citizen named Murod residing in the Chilonzor district of Tashkent city. A criminal case was initiated against him under the theft article of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In such crimes, part 3 is applied, which provides for a punishment of up to 8 years of imprisonment. The investigation is currently ongoing, and the suspect's involvement in other similar crimes is being determined. The details of the crime are not being disclosed to the public.

Last night, the people of Uzbekistan witnessed a unique astronomical event — a total lunar eclipse was observed. This was reported by Upl.uz. During this event, the Moon completely entered the Earth's shadow zone. Due to the refraction properties of sunlight in the Earth's atmosphere, the Moon takes on a reddish color, often referred to as the "Blood Moon." The eclipse began at 21:27, the Moon was fully immersed in the shadow at 22:30, and the maximum phase occurred at 23:11. This event was an interesting and rare occurrence for astronomy enthusiasts. Many people in Uzbekistan also had the opportunity to observe this unique appearance of the Moon. The total lunar eclipse increases interest in astronomy and helps to gain more knowledge about the complex processes in nature.