Shocking Incident at Tashkent School Sparks Outrage
A distressing incident at Tashkent School No. 188 has ignited public outrage after a video surfaced showing a sixth-grader, Edem, being violently assaulted by a teacher during a lesson. The incident occurred on September 23, when Edem requested his teacher to explain a topic in Russian, leading to a brutal response from the educator.
The footage, which quickly went viral on social media, depicts the teacher physically dragging Edem from his desk and repeatedly striking his head against the classroom board. This shocking behavior has drawn condemnation from various quarters, including Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, who stressed the importance of addressing such violence and maintaining friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Russia.
According to Surayo Rakhmonova, the Commissioner for Children's Rights in Uzbekistan, the school management's negligence allowed an unqualified individual to conduct lessons, leading to this tragic event. The director of the school has since been dismissed, and the teacher is facing legal action for her actions. Rakhmonova clarified that the incident does not stem from linguistic intolerance but is another case of child abuse by an incompetent individual.
Mother Speaks Out: "Children Come Home in Horror"
In an exclusive interview with RT, Nigina G., the mother of the assaulted boy, shared her anguish over the incident. Describing her son as sensitive and vulnerable, she recounted how she learned about the assault through a classmate's mother, who informed her that Edem had returned home in tears after the incident.
Nigina expressed her frustration with the school's response, noting that despite previous complaints about the treatment of her son, she felt ignored by the school administration. After witnessing the surveillance footage of the assault, she took her concerns to law enforcement, prompting a delayed reaction from the school authorities. The teacher involved was initially detained for unrelated incidents, raising further concerns about her conduct.
Despite the teacher's claims that she acted for "educational purposes," Nigina vehemently disagrees, asserting that her son did not deserve such treatment. The legal repercussions for the teacher have been minimal, with fines imposed for both the assault and verbal abuse directed at Nigina, highlighting a perceived injustice in the punishment meted out.
Lingering Questions: The Impact on Edem and Future Actions
The emotional toll on Edem has been significant; he is now hesitant to return to school, fearing further incidents. Nigina is contemplating whether to seek a new educational environment for her son, as the current situation has left him traumatized. The school has reassured her that the teacher will not return, but the psychological impact on Edem remains a pressing concern.
As the community grapples with the implications of this incident, it raises broader questions about the treatment of children in schools and the need for systemic changes to ensure their safety and well-being. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing violence in educational settings and safeguarding the rights of children.
