Alisher Kadirov criticizes Russia for requesting explanation over Tashkent school incident

Speaking on the matter, Kadirov stated, "The rights of a child were violated in a school in Uzbekistan, involving a citizen of Uzbekistan, and the necessary actions will be taken in accordance with the laws adopted on behalf of the people of Uzbekistan." He further criticized the involvement of Russian authorities, suggesting that they "would be better off dealing with their own numerous problems rather than meddling in our internal matters."

The incident occurred on September 23 at School No. 188 in Tashkent's Chilanzar district, where a probationary teacher was caught on video hitting a student during class. The footage, which quickly spread across social media, shows the teacher slapping the student and pushing him toward the blackboard following a heated exchange. The incident continued as the teacher coerced the student back into his seat.

According to the Tashkent Department of Preschool and School Education, the altercation took place during a Russian language class for the sixth-grade "V" shift. The student's mother later posted on Facebook that the student had requested the teacher conduct the lesson in Russian, as it was a Russian language class, but the teacher refused and taught in Uzbek. The post has since been deleted.

Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, addressed the issue during a briefing on September 25, expressing deep concern over the video. "The content of the video is alarming and elicits compassion for the child," Zakharova said. "We have requested an official explanation from Uzbekistan. There is no room for hostility, especially regarding language issues, in the friendly relations based on strategic partnership between the two countries."

Zakharova also emphasized the importance of maintaining Russian language usage in Uzbekistan, calling for "consistent measures to remind the public of the beneficial influence of the Russian language in our centuries-old ties, enriching our cultural, educational, scientific, and socio-economic relationships."

In response to the situation, Uzbekistan’s law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation, and the country’s Children's Ombudsman, Surayyo Rahmonova, condemned the teacher’s actions. Rahmonova stressed that individuals who engage in physical violence or inappropriate behavior toward children in educational institutions must not only be removed from their positions but also held legally accountable.