A regional court in Uzbekistan's Surkhandarya region has handed down a 19-year prison sentence to a 29-year-old man convicted of the brutal murder of well-known national wrestler Nizomiddin Chutboyev. The incident, which has sparked widespread public concern regarding safety at sporting events, took place during a local wrestling tournament in the Denau district.

According to the official case details, the tragic altercation unfolded on May 9 in the Yangiaryk makhalla. The confrontation allegedly began after the defendant's younger brother suffered a defeat on the wrestling mat against Chutboyev's son. Following the match, the suspect initially left the venue, but reportedly was told by a taxi driver on his way out that his father had allegedly engaged in an argument with the victim.

Fueled by sudden anger, the perpetrator returned to the tournament grounds. En route, he allegedly retrieved a kitchen knife from a nearby grocery store and launched a fatal attack, stabbing Chutboyev four times directly in front of the victim's children, who witnessed the horrific violence.

Although bystanders and emergency responders rushed the injured athlete to a hospital, medical personnel were unable to save his life due to the severity of the wounds. During court hearings, the defendant purportedly admitted guilt and requested leniency, claiming he acted under extreme emotional distress and could not recall the exact number of stab wounds inflicted.

Meanwhile, the victim's son, who served as a primary witness to the crime, strongly urged the judiciary to impose a life sentence. Court records further revealed that the defendant has a troubled criminal past, having previously been convicted twice on charges of hooliganism and intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm.

Source: podrobno.uz