The Khatlon Regional Court sentenced Sangali Gayratov, a 27-year-old resident of the Khamadoni district, to 15 days in custody. The basis was a video message from his 12-year-old stepdaughter, posted on social media, where the girl spoke about domestic violence.
In the video, which caused a wide response, the child tearfully stated that her stepfather was beating her, her mother and her younger sister, who suffered from poliomyelitis, and was also threatening to kill her. A female voice can be heard behind the scenes asking clarifying questions, Radio Ozodi reports.
According to the Department of Internal Affairs of Khatlon region, an inspection confirmed the facts of violence. The ministry noted that there is an "unhealthy atmosphere, discord, violence and abuse" in the family.
The girl is in the fifth grade, and three children are being raised in the house – two of the woman's daughters are from her first marriage, one of whom has a disability, and a third child from Gayratov.
According to neighbors, Gayratov does not work anywhere, divorced his first wife and lives in the house of Fayzinisso Nurali, the girls' mother. According to them, he also showed cruelty towards a child with a disability.
The woman, according to neighbors, repeatedly contacted the police.
"Fayzinisso complained to the authorities six times. Her husband beats her until she bleeds. One time, the precinct officer came, but said it was her fault," – told neighbor Radio Ozodi.
Human rights activists have criticized the work of district inspectors in Tajikistan, pointing to the disregard of domestic violence and pressure on women to return to the aggressors.
The locals consider the punishment too lenient.
"If he comes back, he'll kill them all," – said one of the neighbors.
Although the country's authorities have passed laws to protect children – In particular, a ban on corporal punishment was introduced in 2024 – cases of domestic violence continue to occur.
According to the Interior Ministry, about a thousand crimes against children and adolescents were registered in 2024, which is 35% more than a year earlier. In 48 cases, minors suffered moderate and severe injuries.
