Our People > Sadokat Jalolova

Sadokat Jalolova

Journalist

Jalolova has worked as a reporter for some time in local newspapers and websites in Uzbekistan, and has enriched her knowledge in the field of journalism through courses at the University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Amsterdam on the Coursera platform.

Articles

Russia Crime Bilateral Cooperation Migrants

Russian Interior Minister Reports Drop in Crimes Linked to Tajik Citizens

Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev announced a decline in crimes involving Tajik citizens in the Russian Federation during a joint meeting of the Russian and Tajik Interior Ministries in Moscow. This reduction includes both offenses committed by and against Tajik nationals, a trend Kolokoltsev emphasized should continue. One notable achievement highlighted was the resolution of a 30-year-old murder case in Sughd, which was solved through coordinated information-sharing between Russian and Tajik law enforcement agencies. Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation During the meeting, Kolokoltsev and Tajik Interior Minister Rahimzoda Ramazon Hamro approved a 2025 cooperation plan. The agreement includes measures to combat transnational crime, enhance collaboration between investigative units, share intelligence, and address drug trafficking. Rahimzoda stressed that ongoing cooperation strengthens security and improves the performance of law enforcement agencies in both countries. Tajik officials highlighted that joint events and initiatives have been held annually since the partnership began. Addressing Migration and Citizens’ Rights Kolokoltsev also referred to his May 2024 visit to Dushanbe, where discussions revolved around migration issues and the establishment of the Russian Interior Ministry’s passport and visa service. These efforts aim to enhance conditions for Tajik citizens living in Russia while safeguarding their rights and interests.

22 hours ago

Security Legislation Parliament Government law

Uzbekistan Enacts Law on “Undesirable” Foreigners

On November 15 a new law regulating foreign citizens deemed "undesirable" came into effect in Uzbekistan. The government claims that the strict measures, previously reported on by The Times of Central Asia in June, are aimed at safeguarding the country’s "sovereignty, security, and unity". The legislative process began on June 25 when Uzbekistan’s Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (parliament) approved amendments to the law on the legal status of foreign citizens and stateless persons. These amendments introduced the concept of “undesirable elements” among foreign nationals. The Senate subsequently approved the legislation on September 21, paving the way for its implementation. Under the new law, foreign citizens and stateless persons can be classified as undesirable if they can be said to: • Threaten Uzbekistan’s sovereignty, security, or unity; • Incite enmity or hostility; or • Disrespect the honor, dignity, or history of the Uzbek people. Those designated as undesirable face a five-year ban on entering Uzbekistan, opening bank accounts, purchasing property, participating in privatizations, or engaging in financial and contractual transactions. They are, however, permitted to sell or transfer any property they own within the country. If the grounds for being deemed undesirable are not addressed during the five-year ban, the restriction is automatically extended for another five years. Conversely, individuals may apply for early removal from the list if they resolve the identified issues or if the government recommends their delisting. Individuals deemed undesirable must leave Uzbekistan voluntarily within 10 days of receiving notification. Failure to comply will result in forcible deportation.

2 days ago

Finance Economy Government GDP State Budget

Uzbekistan’s Public Debt Projected to Reach $45.1 Billion by 2025

According to the “Budget for Citizens” publication issued by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, Uzbekistan’s public debt is projected to reach $45.1 billion by the end of 2025. Updated estimates indicate that state debt will amount to $39.7 billion by the end of this year, rising to $45.1 billion, equivalent to 36.7% of GDP, in 2025. The publication’s primary focus is forecasting revenues, expenditure, and deficits in the state budget for 2025. State budget revenues are projected at 308,547 billion UZS ($24.19 billion), with the economy expected to grow by 6% in 2025, increasing to 6.1% in 2026 and 6.3% in 2027. State budget expenditure for 2025 is planned at 344,576 billion UZS ($27.02 billion), with 52% being allocated to social spending. The report provides detailed information on budget allocations by ministries and departments, their alignment with national sustainable development goals, and their impact on climate change. It also outlines how funds will be classified under development programs, ensuring transparency and adherence to Uzbekistan’s broader policy objectives.

2 days ago

Syria United Nations Conflict Resolution Regional Security Security cooperation Migrant Rights

Uzbekistan Shares Rehabilitation Model for Returnees at UN Event

On November 11, 2024, a high-level event titled “Effective Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Returnees from North-Eastern Syria – Uzbekistan’s Experience: From Global to Local” took place at the UN Headquarters in Geneva. The event highlighted Uzbekistan’s successful approach to rehabilitating and reintegrating individuals returning from conflict zones, particularly through the work of the Regional Expert Council, established in 2024 at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Vladimir Voronkov, head of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office, commended Uzbekistan’s efforts. “UN member states urgently need to develop strategies for rehabilitation and reintegration based on the experience of Uzbekistan. The Tashkent model aims to ensure the rights and dignity of the individual, which is important in these processes,” Voronkov stated. Khalid Koser, Director of the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund, described Uzbekistan’s model as a roadmap for other nations. He emphasized that the approach has proven to be effective, humane, and respectful of human rights in returning citizens from conflict zones. A focal point of the conference was the Regional Expert Council on Rehabilitation and Reintegration, established under the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism. The Council, based in Tashkent, aims to bring together Central Asian experts to share their knowledge and develop programs to assist reintegrated individuals in rebuilding their lives. “I am convinced that the Council, established in Tashkent at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, will contribute to strengthening the exchange of best practices and lessons learned in this area,” said Natalia Gherman, Head of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. The Times of Central Asia has previously reported that Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are collectively improving support systems for women and children returning from conflict zones, such as Iraq and Syria.

3 days ago

Russia Crime Court Cases criminal kidnapping

Uzbek Man Suspected of Kidnapping Italian Businessman Arrested

An Uzbek citizen has been detained in Italy on charges of orchestrating the kidnapping of Italian businessman Stefano Guidotti in Moscow. In June this year Guidotti was abducted and held hostage. According to Italian investigators, the alleged mastermind is a 44-year-old Uzbek national living near Ravenna, who holds a Russian passport. The suspect had previously worked for Guidotti’s business. The Bologna prosecutor’s office identified the Uzbek citizen as the primary organizer of the crime. Reports indicate he also personally initiated negotiations to establish a ransom for the release of Guidotti, who serves as the general director of the Russian office of SIAD Group. SIAD is one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of industrial gases. The kidnapping took place on the morning of June 28, when three men seized Guidotti in the courtyard of a residence in central Moscow. He was handcuffed, a bag was placed over his head, and he was forced into a car. Russian police rescued him the following day in the country's Bryansk region. The abductors reportedly included three Russian nationals and one foreigner.

3 days ago