Nurafshon TV executive detained for sexual harassment of a female colleague

As reported by Gazeta.uz, referencing a court ruling, the case was heard by the Tashkent City Court for Criminal Cases in the Shaykhontohur district on February 6, 2024. According to the court documents, on January 27, an individual identified as Kh.S., born in 1988 and previously subject to administrative liability, lured his subordinate to the workplace under false pretenses and attempted to corner and kiss her against her will. The victim claimed this was not an isolated incident and reported her worsening emotional state to the court, demanding legal action and compensation for the moral damage caused.

In his testimony, the accused from Nurafshon TV confessed to his actions, expressed regret, and requested leniency from the court, understanding the gravity of the consequences and vowing not to repeat such behavior.

The court found Kh.S. guilty under Article 41−1 of the Administrative Code (sexual harassment) and sentenced him to three days of administrative detention. The victim was informed of her right to pursue civil litigation for financial and emotional restitution.

For context, Article 41–1 of the Administrative Code specifies that vulgar and undesirable actions toward an individual, including gestures, touches, and verbal descriptions or summons with a sexual undertone, can result in a fine of two to five times the base calculation amount or up to five days of administrative arrest. This legal provision was introduced into law on April 12, 2023.

Reportedly, 666 individuals in Uzbekistan were held accountable for sexual harassment in 2023, with 233 facing fines and 433 others serving administrative detentions.