The Akhangaran City Criminal Court convicted a woman for knowingly exposing another person to HIV infection.
In a judgment issued on 6 February 2026, the court found her guilty under Part 4, Article 113 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which criminalises knowingly placing another person at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. The defendant, born on 31 July 1990 in Angren, had been registered as HIV-positive with the Akhangaran City Medical Association since 15 October 2024. She had received an official warning about criminal liability for infecting others.
The case concerned her relationship with her partner. The two began cohabiting in early 2024 in Akhangaran and lived together in a waste collection point. Despite knowing her HIV status, the defendant continued to have sexual relations without protection. In June 2025, her partner tested positive for HIV and was officially registered as an HIV-infected person. Both parties admitted that he had been aware of her status, but they did not use protection, partly due to lack of available condoms and his refusal to use them.
The defendant fully admitted her guilt, expressed sincere remorse, and requested leniency, highlighting that she had no previous convictions and that the victim had no claims against her. The court took into account her confession, the absence of prior convictions, and the mitigating circumstances provided by Article 57 of the Criminal Code, which allows consideration of circumstances that significantly reduce the social danger of the crime.
Considering the severity of the offence and the legal framework, the court sentenced her to three years’ imprisonment, to be served in a general regime penal colony. The pre-trial detention measure was maintained, and the term of imprisonment was calculated from 9 December 2025. The defendant and victim were informed of their right to appeal or file a protest within ten days of the verdict.
