In August 2025, a district criminal court in Karakalpakstan convicted a man under Part 4 of Article 113 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan for knowingly transmitting HIV to his spouse. The court found that the defendant had been diagnosed with HIV in January 2022, registered with the AIDS Center, and repeatedly warned about prevention measures and criminal liability. Despite this, he engaged in unprotected sexual relations with his spouse, placing her at risk of infection. In November 2024, the spouse was diagnosed with HIV.
During the trial, the defendant fully admitted guilt, acknowledged having unprotected sex despite knowing the risks, and expressed remorse. The victim confirmed awareness of the defendant’s HIV status but testified that unprotected sex occurred during periods of reconciliation, resulting in her infection. She requested leniency, citing financial hardship and childcare responsibilities. Taking into account the defendant’s confession, lack of prior convictions, remorse, and the victim’s request for a non-custodial sentence, the court concluded that rehabilitation was possible without imprisonment. The defendant was sentenced to two years and six months of correctional labor, with a portion of his wages withheld as state revenue. The victim was informed of her right to pursue civil compensation separately.
