A criminal case has been initiated in Fergana related to the mass poisoning of children from kindergartens. The Internal Affairs Department of the Fergana region of Uzbekistan has confirmed this information.
According to reports, the case materials are under review by the Fergana regional prosecutor's office, as well as by internal affairs officials and other competent institutions. Necessary examinations and investigative actions are being conducted.
The investigation was initiated under Article 257−1 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan, concerning violations of sanitary norms and rules for combating epidemics. According to this article, possible penalties include a fine ranging from 50 to 100 basic calculated amounts, deprivation of certain rights for up to five years, corrective labor for up to two years, restriction of freedom for one to three years, or imprisonment for up to five years.
Since February 21, 62 children attending state kindergartens No. 2, No. 58, and No. 61 have been hospitalized with a diagnosis of "acute diarrheal disease of alimentary origin." The children exhibited symptoms such as high fever, abdominal pain, weakness, nausea, and diarrhea. The food for the kindergartens was supplied by an outsourcing company.
