An alleged case of school violence in Tajikistan has reignited public concern after an 11th-grade student accused a teacher of assault in the southern city of Levakant. The incident, which has generated conflicting accounts from authorities and the student’s family, is now under investigation by law enforcement.
Conflicting Accounts
The case surfaced on September 30, when a video circulated on social media showing the student unconscious. Radio Ozodi reported that the boy had received “a strong blow to the back of the head from his teacher.”
According to the student, Mehmed Bozorov, the incident occurred on September 6 at School No. 4 in the village of Bohturobod. He said he had stepped out during a break to borrow a pen and was struck by the teacher upon returning. Bozorov claims he lost consciousness and was hospitalized for 15 days.
The Levakant Education Department offered a different version of events. It stated that Bozorov had shown disrespect toward the teacher, who “lost his temper and slapped him.” Officials said the student did not suffer serious injuries.
Hospitalization and Family Response
Bozorov’s uncle, Jamol Bozorov, a medical professional, was called to the school after the student complained of feeling unwell. The boy collapsed shortly afterward. His uncle recorded the incident and later shared the footage with local media.
Bozorov was admitted to the central hospital in Levakant. A private lab, Aksi Shifo, found no signs of serious trauma, but his mother insisted on continued treatment. He remained hospitalized for 13 days. The Education Department stated that the teacher covered all medical costs. Bozorov has since returned to school.
Official Response
The Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan has met with both parties involved. “Farhod Nazarov is a young teacher; he should not have resorted to violence, but the student also showed disrespect. Responsibility lies with both,” the ministry said in a statement.
Law enforcement is conducting a preliminary investigation. The student and his family have not commented on the ministry’s statement.
A Broader Issue
Violence in Tajik schools is not uncommon. Last year alone, three separate incidents involving physical altercations between teachers and students were reported, in the town of Bokhtar and twice in Khovaling district.
Following previous complaints about bullying, Tajik authorities introduced a methodological guide aimed at helping teachers prevent bullying and cyberbullying. However, the Levakant case underscores that school violence remains a persistent and unresolved issue.
