In early February, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed the National Guard to address school truancy. In accordance with the decision of the President, about 2,000 school inspectors and psychologists transferred to the National Guard from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Sputnik reports.
National Guard officers not only maintain the rule of law and public order on the streets, but also communicate with the parents of truants. They are also authorised to impose fines or administrative arrest of legal representatives of children who miss school.
In response to outrage on social media, the department noted that the National Guard is responsible for ensuring public safety and preventing crime, including among minors.
Statistics showed that schoolchildren made up 61 percent of 133 juvenile offenders prosecuted in January 2024. Most of the offenses were committed on the streets, in parks, shops and entertainment centres during class hours.
Since the beginning of the year, about 350 knives, brass knuckles and other dangerous objects have been confiscated from schoolchildren. Tobacco products, snus and potent drugs were found as well. Furthermore, schoolchildren become involved increasingly in mass ‘slashes’.
