SOCIETY | 19:06 / 19.06.2025
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Human rights advocates: Bukhara governor’s remarks damage Uzbekistan’s global reputation 

Bukhara regional governor Botir Zaripov remains at the center of public debate after ordering the immediate demolition of an unauthorized structure on a kindergarten property – with the people inside – without any legal proceedings. The incident, which occurred last week, sparked widespread outrage after video footage went viral. In response, the governor’s office issued a statement blaming the public for "misunderstanding" the situation.

Sociologist Mahmud Yuldoshev, in a conversation with Kun.uz, criticized the governor’s conduct, suggesting that Zaripov should at the very least have apologized to the public. “I expected him to resign,” he added. 

On May 22, while visiting a kindergarten in Bukhara region, governor Zaripov instructed his staff to demolish a structure built without permits, without waiting for court approval, allegedly even ordering it be razed with a person inside and buried on the spot. Police, prosecutors, and other local officials present immediately backed the governor’s directive. The incident was captured on video and widely circulated online, sparking national debate. 

Some activists accused Zaripov of promoting extrajudicial killing, while others condemned his use of inappropriate language toward fellow officials. Many insisted that the governor should have publicly apologized to the people. 

“The solution was simple: he should’ve been dismissed from above. That would’ve been a tough but appropriate response. Alternatively, he could’ve just apologized to the people. If he had admitted how difficult public service and governance are and stepped down, perhaps people would’ve respected him for it. To put it mildly, his words were a breach of administrative conduct,” said Mahmud Yuldoshev, sociologist. 

According to human rights activist Abdurakhmon Tashanov, the governor’s statements – which initially earned him support online – are symptoms of a broader systemic issue in Uzbekistan. Similar misconduct by governors is not uncommon, and the real problem, he says, is the lack of meaningful accountability. 

“There’s an old crude joke: ‘I knew my daughter-in-law had crooked legs, but now she’s been caught – it’s embarrassing.’ This incident with Zaripov is just like that – a flare-up of a chronic illness. Now how can he face the public? How can he speak about construction or urban development in Bukhara? He’s morally broken,” says Abdurakhmon Tashanov. 

Both speakers emphasized that the position of governor in Uzbekistan is strategically important, and Bukhara is one of the country’s key regions. Therefore, they argued, any person holding such a post must adhere to ethical norms and professional behavior. They also criticized the silence of Parliament, which they said should have taken a stance as the representative body of the people. In their view, the incident reveals systemic flaws. 

“Maybe he has unresolved trauma. Maybe that’s how people treated him when he worked in a bank. Or maybe he thinks people in Bukhara tend to speak more harshly. But that doesn’t justify his actions. We've seen valley-region governors who speak with utmost tact,” Abdurakhmon Tashanov added.

Both interviewees expressed hope that governor Zaripov will step forward and offer a public apology.

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