President Mirziyoyev criticizes heads of law enforcement bodies for incidents in Chirakchi and Andijan

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a videoconference on improving the system of justice and anti-corruption. During the meeting, he criticized the judicial system and commented on the torture cases in DIA buildings in the city of Andijan and the Chirakchi district.

“We have made serious and irreversible reforms to prevent torture in the last three and a half years. However, the recent tragic events in the police departments of the Andijan city and the Chirakchi district should wake up the leaders of the system and urge them to draw clear conclusions.

As a result of these tragedies, 2 people died untimely. Their families are dissatisfied with the government, not with the heads of these law enforcement bodies.

Why don’t the prosecutors, who are responsible for rapid search and investigations, the chief policemen come out and say it’s their fault. Why don’t you apologize to the people for not increasing the knowledge of those employees, for not teaching them to work in compliance with the law, to treat people? Which system or regional office head has developed a clear plan or program to prevent a recurrence of such incidents?

It is a pity to say that your indifference and ignorance are discrediting our reforms.

Currently, 11 police officers involved in these crimes are being prosecuted. Seven leaders have been fired and 16 others have been disciplined,” Mirziyoyev said.

It should be recalled that a 32-year-old man suspected of cattle theft in the Chirakchi district, Kashkadarya region, died on January 23, 2020, after being beaten by police. It was later revealed that other police officers had pressured witnesses to cover up the crime. A criminal case has been opened and two police officers have been arrested. It was later revealed that 13 other employees were involved in beating to death of the citizen.

Also, in Andijan, when citizen Abdukarimov died on June 11 after being tortured by police officers, five people were fired and 19 were punished. A criminal case has been filed by the Andijan city prosecutor’s office under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code. During the investigation, three police officers were charged under articles 206, 234 and 235. A precautionary measure in the form of arrest was applied against them.