Criminal investigation launched into child torture allegations at Tashkent private kindergarten

The Ministry of Preschool and School Education has initiated legal proceedings to revoke the operating license of Rayyan Kids Land, a private preschool in Tashkent, following graphic evidence of physical and psychological abuse against children.

The Tashkent City Preschool and School Education Department confirmed that a comprehensive investigation into the institution revealed six severe violations of licensing requirements and statutory regulations.

The enforcement action followed an incident on June 24, in which a teacher, identified as A.G., subjected a young student to severe physical and psychological trauma. Under the Law on Licensing, Permitting, and Notification Procedures, a single egregious violation of licensing terms that compromises the life and health of citizens constitutes sufficient grounds for immediate license revocation. Consequently, the ministry has submitted a formal application to the Tashkent Interregional Economic Court to permanently terminate the organization's legal authorization to operate.

The regulatory crackdown follows the widespread circulation of disturbing surveillance and mobile footage on social media networks. The video material, recorded at the private facility located in the Uchtepa district, captures educators intimidating young children, forcefully stuffing a cloth into one child's mouth, and deliberately slamming a door on another child's hand. The explicit nature of the recordings sparked immediate public outrage and swift intervention from law enforcement.

The Investigation Department under the Uchtepa District Police Directorate has initiated a criminal case under Article 110 of the Criminal Code, which addresses the offense of torture. Authorities have also commissioned comprehensive forensic medical examinations to formally evaluate the extent of the physical injuries sustained by the affected children.

Information shared by concerned parents indicates that the June incident was not an isolated case of misconduct within the establishment. In May, another educator at the same kindergarten was held administratively liable after inflicting bodily harm on a child. That previous case resulted in a regulatory fine equivalent to three times the base calculating amount, totaling UZS 1,236,000, a penalty that failed to deter subsequent systemic abuse at the facility.