The case was reviewed by the cassation panel for criminal cases of the Fergana Regional Court, which overturned the September 21, 2026, ruling of the Furqat District Criminal Court concerning the two defendants and issued a new guilty verdict.
Under the new ruling, the company's director, identified as Sh.T., was sentenced to four years in prison, while technologist R.A. received three years and six months. The sentences were imposed under Articles 59 and 61 of Uzbekistan's Criminal Code.
Kun.uz previously reported that the two defendants had been released in the courtroom after the initial trial. In its September 21 ruling, the Furqat District Court had imposed corrective labor and restriction of liberty rather than imprisonment.
In addition to their role in the mass poisoning of children, the defendants were found guilty of theft, embezzlement or misappropriation of property, and document forgery.
Following public criticism of the initial sentences, the Fergana regional courts issued an official statement defending the decision, saying that the punishments had been imposed within the sanctions prescribed by law.
The statement cited several mitigating circumstances, including the defendants' remorse, lack of previous convictions, full compensation for the damage caused to victims, and the absence of claims from the children's legal representatives.
How the kindergarten poisoning case unfolded
The mass poisoning occurred on February 20, 2026, at several state-run kindergartens in Fergana city. The investigation established that the meals had been prepared and delivered by Garden Catering Trade LLC, based in Kuvasay, under an outsourced catering arrangement.
The company's selection as a food supplier had previously raised questions over the legality of the procurement process and the role of regional authorities.
