Alisher Kadirov: Lenient punishment for women could normalize violent crimes

The case that prompted public outrage involved two kindergarten workers in Tashkent who were convicted for the brutal death of a 2-year-old child. Reports said the boy was subjected to cruel treatment for not falling asleep during nap time – he was threatened with being thrown out of a window, had a bedsheet stuffed into his mouth, and was repeatedly beaten. After the final assault, the child lost consciousness and died in the hospital two days later without regaining consciousness.

Alisher Kadirov, head of the “Milliy Tiklanish” (National Revival) Democratic Party, commented on the case and put forward a legislative proposal.

“A kindergarten teacher who caused the death of a 2-year-old was sentenced to six years in prison. According to Article 50 of the Criminal Code, the sentence was reduced simply because the perpetrator is a woman – the punishment was set at two-thirds of the standard term.

“Keep in mind: any woman, regardless of the crime – even in the case of deliberate murder or repeat offenses – is eligible for a reduced sentence under this article,” Kadirov wrote on social media.

He added that the party intends to initiate a discussion of this article with legal experts.

Kadirov also proposed lowering the retirement age for workers in the education and childcare sectors to 50, citing the physical and emotional demands of the job. He further suggested restricting pensioners from working directly with children.

“This is necessary for the safety of children, and also to accelerate generational change in the sector and bring more modern approaches into education and upbringing,” he said.