Authorities Deny Torture: Man Dies in Custody After Interrogation
An investigation into the death of a 50-year-old farmer in Surkhandarya has concluded with authorities determining that there was no evidence of criminal conduct by any individual. Tohir Hayitov was taken into custody in connection with a murder case and later found dead with alleged signs of torture on his body. The Ombudsman confirmed that no criminal case would be opened, and a judge involved in the case was fined for a procedural error.
According to reports, Hayitov died en route to an administrative detention center due to a sudden deterioration in his health. The forensic examination revealed that he died from a heart-related issue, not from any physical injuries or trauma. Prosecutors concluded that no criminal activity occurred and declined to open a criminal case.
Hayitov’s relatives had claimed he was taken by police officers from his home as part of an urgent operation related to a murder case in Uzun district. Just hours before his death, he was sentenced to administrative detention for “petty hooliganism,” which raised concerns due to inconsistencies in the ruling. The judge who issued the detention order was fined for a technical error and failing to correct it in time.
In addition to this case, two inmates died in Penal Colonies in Tashkent Region earlier this year, which are also under investigation. The Ombudsman and the Tashkent Special Prosecutor’s Office are looking into these incidents to determine the cause of death and any potential wrongdoing.
