Deputy governor in Surkhandarya insults people, forces them into cotton picking

The recordings, obtained by Kun.uz, feature Dilfuza Toshmatova, deputy governor responsible for family and women’s affairs, shouting at local activists in a cotton field and demanding that each of them bring at least five people to join the harvest.

Toshmatova stressed that around 150 people must be gathered to finish harvesting one farmer’s field in a single day. In her remarks, she told activists:

“The norm is five people each. Tomorrow 150 people must clear the field completely. That farmer should be begging us not to come back. To achieve this, we need more people.”

She further demanded that activists provide lists of names, warning them not to make excuses or delay the work.

In the footage, Toshmatova is also heard hurling insults at the activists. “Why is no one here yet? Do you call yourself a woman?  Shameless! Conscience-less! If you want to work, come here quickly. If not, get lost!” she shouted while standing in the field.

She added that those who wanted to resign could leave without “acting smart,” while those who stayed were obliged to fulfill her orders.