“This was the first time that “Zulfiya” award winner had committed a crime” – Elmira Basitkhanova 

Reportedly, they killed a 31-year-old businessman, dismembered his body and buried him in a pit. One of the perpetrators was Sevara Abdulkhakimova, a winner of the “Zulfiya” award. 

The report caused heated discussions on social networks. Some of the users suggest Sevara Abdulkhakimova be deprived of her award. Kun.uz correspondent addressed the officials on the matter. 

“This is the first time” – Elmira Basitkhanova 

According to Elmira Basitkhanova, a former Chairperson of the Women’s Committee and now deputy health minister, this is the first time that the “Zulfiya” award winner has committed a crime.

“Therefore, we do not have a clear mechanism in this regard. The award is approved by the President. There is nothing addressing such cases in the presidential decree “On support for proposals to establish a state award named after “Zulfiya”. This means that Sevara Abdulkhakimova, who committed the crime, will not be deprived of her award,” Basitkhanova said. 

Saodat Boymirzayeva: “The charter does not provide for the withdrawal of the award” 

According to Saodat Boymirzayeva, the press secretary of the Ministry for Mahalla and Family Support, the regulations on the “Zulfiya” award and other normative legal acts do not provide for the withdrawal of the award from a girl who has committed a crime. 

“This award and its privilege is given once. Sevara Abdulkhakimova had already enjoyed the privilege. 

It will continue to be so. The girl who receives the award uses her privilege once. That is, if you are a high school graduate, you can be admitted to a university without an exam after receiving the award, and if you have a bachelor’s degree, you can be admitted to the master’s degree. 

A winner of the “Zulfiya” award is not given permanent privileges. 

The award will not be withdrawn because nothing has been mentioned about it in the regulations,” she said.