Inmate serving his sentence in a Navoiy high-security colony dies in hospital; family alleges abuse

Social media posts earlier reported that Sotvoldiev, who was serving his sentence in the Navoiy correctional facility, had been taken to hospital due to deteriorating health, that his family members were not being allowed to see him, and that he had sustained bodily injuries. The press service of the Ombudsman of the Oliy Majlis issued an official statement regarding the situation.

According to the Ombudsman, on 23 November the inmate was taken to the Navoiy regional branch of the Republican Scientific Centre for Emergency Medical Care (RSCEMC) under the supervision of colony officials due to poor health. His family was also informed. He was diagnosed with “severe bilateral bronchopneumonia”.

Since Sotvoldiev had developed a serious illness preventing him from serving his sentence, the Navoiy City Criminal Court, acting on a submission by colony No. 11, issued a ruling on 26 November releasing him from punishment under Article 75 (Part 1) of the Criminal Code.

“On 27 November, the former inmate’s brother contacted the Ombudsman’s regional representative in Navoiy. The representative immediately visited the hospital, met the patient and reviewed the situation,” the Ombudsman’s official statement said.

It was also reported that the Navoiy Specialized Prosecutor’s Office is conducting a pre-investigation review into the case.

The Navoiy Regional Prosecutor’s Office also issued an official statement, noting that the pre-investigation review would be carried out fully, objectively and comprehensively, and that a lawful decision would be made based on its results.

Despite the medical care provided, Sotvoldiev died on 27 November.

“On 24 November I visited my father. Seeing his swollen neck and overall condition, I told the doctors that he had been beaten and that his ribs were broken. But they hid it. I begged them to give me his test results so I could show them to other doctors. They lied. Even if he had been beaten, if they had brought him earlier and if the doctors had feared their oath more than those people, maybe my father would have survived,” his daughter said.

According to official data, Sotvoldiev had been sentenced by the Kuvasoy City Criminal Court on 15 April 2025 to nine and a half years in prison. He was found guilty of fraud and of preparing, forging, selling or using documents, stamps, seals or forms. He was ordered to serve his sentence in a high-security colony. The panel of the Fergana Regional Court for criminal cases modified the original verdict on 17 July 2025.

Five years ago, Sotvoldiev had attempted to stage a hunger strike in front of the Central Council building of the Youth Union (now the Youth Affairs Agency), claiming that he had been unable to recover 9 billion UZS owed to him.