A court in Khiva has imposed a fine of 2.06 million soums on a 25-year-old woman, identified as M.G. from the Altynsay district of Surkhandarya region, for kissing a monument dedicated to figures of Khorezm musical art in Ichan-Kala and posting a video of the act on social media. According to Kun.uz, the woman visited Khiva on an excursion on February 21 and recorded the kissing of the monument on her phone.

During the court proceedings, M.G. admitted guilt, expressed remorse, and requested leniency, citing her pregnancy. However, the court deemed her actions as disrespectful treatment of objects of material cultural heritage and levied the fine under Part 1 of Article 64-1 of Uzbekistan's Code of Administrative Responsibility. The fine amount is equivalent to five basic calculation values (5 BCV), totaling 2.06 million soums at the current exchange rate.

This incident highlights ongoing challenges in balancing tourism with the preservation of cultural heritage sites. Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique architectural and cultural landmarks, faces pressures from visitor behavior that can undermine conservation efforts. The case underscores the legal measures in place to protect such sites, even as it raises questions about enforcement and public awareness regarding proper conduct at historical monuments.

Source: kun.uz