Injustice: Single mother sentenced to 8 years for a crime she didn’t commit
Woman Wrongly Accused of Selling Child Faces 8-Year Prison Sentence
In a shocking turn of events in Qibray district, a 35-year-old woman has found herself entangled in a fabricated crime perpetuated by law enforcement. The case, characterized by gross negligence and a disregard for procedural norms, has left a family torn apart, with children left orphaned as a result.
On March 29, 2024, Zulkhumor, a resident of Qibray, was arrested in her home on charges of allegedly agreeing to sell her 10-year-old daughter for $2,000. The arrest came after she had received $500 as an initial payment from the supposed buyers. Zulkhumor, a single mother of a disabled son, vehemently denied the accusations during the court proceedings.
In her defense, she explained that her dire circumstances, including being the sole provider for her children, led her to consider placing her daughter in the care of a financially stable family. Struggling with health issues and the challenges of raising a disabled child, Zulkhumor maintained that she never intended to sell her daughter but simply sought a better life for her.
Despite her protests, the court found her guilty under Article 135 of the Criminal Code (human trafficking) and sentenced her to 8 years in prison. This verdict has left Zulkhumor’s children – a disabled son and a daughter – in an orphanage, as their mother serves her wrongful sentence.
Zulkhumor’s sister shared the family’s harrowing journey marked by tragedy and hardship, underscoring the challenges they faced without proper support. Their struggles, compounded by societal pressures and judgment, culminated in Zulkhumor’s unjust incarceration.
Abdurahmon Tashanov, chairman of the Ezgulik Human Rights Society, decried the fabricated nature of the case, emphasizing the need for a fair assessment of Zulkhumor’s situation. He pointed out the glaring deficiencies in the investigation and trial processes, calling attention to the disproportionate sentencing given her circumstances.
As the case garners attention and scrutiny, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding justice and protecting vulnerable individuals from false accusations. It is imperative that the relevant authorities review Zulkhumor’s case with fairness and compassion, considering the tragic consequences of a miscarriage of justice for her family.
While no crime should go unpunished, cases like Zulkhumor’s highlight the urgent need for a more thorough and equitable approach to criminal proceedings, especially when vulnerable individuals are at risk of being wrongfully ensnared in the legal system. The hope remains that justice will prevail in the end, bringing solace to a family torn apart by unfounded accusations.
