The image of a video conference meeting spread on social networks has once again brought the discussion of ethical norms in government institutions in Uzbekistan to the agenda. It depicted a high-ranking official in the Samarkand region embracing a female employee while seated in his chair.
In response to this incident, the Ministry of Poverty Reduction and Employment issued an official statement through its Press Service. According to the ministry, the situation has been investigated, and the employment contracts of those involved have been terminated.
Reports indicate that the individual in the video has been serving as the head of the Poverty Reduction and Employment Department in the Kattakurgan district since December 2023.
This situation has once again raised the issue of how oversight is being conducted regarding ethical and professional violations committed by public officials in Uzbekistan.
It is worth noting that in April of this year, the head of a district department in Andijan city and his deputy were dismissed from their positions for consuming narcotic substances at the workplace.
