Law enforcement authorities in Uzbekistan have shut down an illegal religious educational center in Margilan, Fergana region, where children were allegedly beaten with sticks for making mistakes in their studies. The raid was conducted by police and State Security Service officers on June 19.

The clandestine school was discovered in a private home, where 17 children aged 8 to 10 were found. The children included not only local residents but also minors from Tashkent and Khorezm region.

According to investigators, the organizers used physical violence against the children, beating them with sticks for poor academic performance. The conditions were reportedly deplorable, with children kept in a cramped room unsuitable for study or living.

Two individuals, aged 21 and 38, have been identified as the organizers. They had rented the house from an acquaintance. A criminal case has been opened on charges of “violation of the procedure for teaching religious doctrines” and “torture.” If found guilty, they face up to five years in prison. The suspects have been remanded in custody.

The homeowner has been charged with administrative violations of religious organization laws, facing a fine or up to 15 days of administrative detention.

Parents who entrusted their children to the organizers during summer vacation have also been held administratively liable for failing to fulfill their duties in raising and educating their children. They face fines ranging from 5 to 10 times the base calculation value (2.06 to 4.1 million soums).

Earlier, authorities in Tashkent shut down two similar underground religious schools where children were kept locked up and beaten. A private university student and his teacher were implicated in those cases.

Source: podrobno.uz