Tajikistan Teacher-Student Assault Case Sent to Court, Sparks National Debate
The case of Farkhod Nazarov, a Tajik teacher accused of assaulting an 11th-grade student, has been formally referred to the Levakant City Court, according to the Ministry of Education and Science. The ministry said it would continue to support Nazarov and monitor the case closely, though it would not interfere in judicial proceedings.
The incident, which occurred on September 6 at School No. 4 in Bokhturobod, gained national attention after a video surfaced online showing the student, Mehmed Bozorov, losing consciousness. Bozorov claims the teacher struck him on the back of the head, resulting in a two-week hospitalization.
Authorities charged Nazarov under Article 174 of the Criminal Code — “Failure to fulfill obligations to educate and raise a minor” — which carries penalties of up to two years in prison or a fine between $5,672 and $8,103. Nazarov has admitted to hitting the student, saying it was “not without reason,” and that he cannot afford to pay the fine.
The Levakant education department has presented a differing version, alleging that Bozorov’s disrespectful behavior provoked an emotional reaction from the teacher and claiming no serious injuries were recorded.
The case has fueled nationwide debate over classroom discipline and student-teacher relations. Many educators and public figures have expressed support for Nazarov, calling for systemic reforms in Tajikistan’s education system to better define teacher authority and student accountability.
A court date has yet to be announced, but the hearing is expected in November.
