US imposes sanctions on Uzbek officials for child abuse and trafficking

The Treasury Department's statement highlighted grave human rights abuses committed by the sanctioned individuals: Oybek Masharipov, the former head of the Khorezm Regional Justice Department; Anvar Kuryezov, the former head of the Yangiarik District Emergency Department; and Yulduz Khudoyberganova, the former director of a state orphanage.

According to the report, Khudoyberganova coerced at least three underage girls into sexual exploitation over a 10-month period, arranging encounters with at least six men in exchange for money and goods. To ensure compliance, she employed various forms of coercion, including physical beatings, threats, food deprivation, and isolating the girls from their peers.

Both Masharipov and Kuryezov abused their positions of power to exploit the orphanage residents. The report alleges they demanded sexual favors as compensation for the “gifts” they provided to the orphanage. They reportedly visited the orphanage multiple times to select their victims.

The sanctions impose visa restrictions on the three individuals and freeze any assets they hold in the United States or under U.S. jurisdiction. Additionally, any entity in which these individuals own a 50% or greater stake will also be subject to sanctions.

The Treasury Department emphasized that such actions are part of the U.S. government's commitment to holding human rights abusers accountable and ensuring justice for vulnerable populations.