On 7 January 2026, the Navoi City Criminal Court of Uzbekistan convicted a woman under Article 113(4) of the Criminal Code for knowingly placing another person at risk of HIV infection.
The court found that the defendant had been diagnosed with HIV in January 2016, was registered with the regional AIDS centre, received antiretroviral treatment, and had repeatedly signed official warnings acknowledging criminal liability for HIV transmission or exposure. However, between January and March 2025 she engaged in sexual relations with a male partner, at times without protection, without disclosing her HIV status, thereby knowingly placing him at risk of infection. The partner ultimately tested HIV-negative and later requested leniency.
During the trial, the defendant pleaded guilty, expressed remorse, and asked for a non-custodial sentence. The court examined witness testimony, medical records, written warnings, and other evidence. It ruled that certain digital audio evidence obtained by police was inadmissible due to procedural violations, as it had been collected without the required participation of a specialist. However, the remaining evidence was found sufficient to establish guilt.
Taking into account mitigating factors, including the defendant’s confession, remorse, personal circumstances, and the absence of aggravating factors, the court applied Article 57 of the Criminal Code and imposed a sentence below the statutory minimum.
The defendant was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment in a general-regime correctional colony. She was taken into custody in the courtroom. The court also informed the affected person of the right to seek civil compensation separately. The judgment may be appealed within ten days.
