The Anti-Corruption Agency of Uzbekistan reported that the mayor (hokim) of Quva district in Fergana region, Halimjon Umarov, has been given a disciplinary reprimand for violating the code of conduct for civil servants.

In June, an audio recording allegedly featuring Umarov circulated on social media. In the recording, the mayor is heard insulting a farmer and ordering him to forcibly surrender his land. The mayor uses profanity and threats, demanding the farmer immediately submit a resignation of land rights.

Following the incident, the Agency conducted an official investigation and submitted a proposal to the regional administration to provide a legal assessment. As a result, Umarov received a reprimand.

The Agency stated it will continue to ensure strict compliance with ethical standards by civil servants and the inevitability of liability for violations.

Umarov has served as mayor of Quva district since February 2021. Previously, he was deputy governor of the region for agriculture and water resources.

Earlier, a similar case occurred in Surkhandarya region, where the mayor of Muzrabot district, Abdulla Mamatkulov, was also reprimanded for insulting farmers over grain plan targets.

Legal experts and human rights activists have raised concerns about the vulnerability of farmers facing local officials and the prevalence of abusive behavior.

Source: www.gazeta.uz