Uzbekistani boxer Shahram G‘iyosov has issued an apology after a video surfaced showing him training with a bear, which caused significant public outrage. The incident led to administrative penalties and investigations by the Ministry of Ecology and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The video, which quickly circulated on social media, shows G‘iyosov engaging with the bear in a training session at the Buka Gym. The footage prompted criticism from animal protection groups, particularly the “Mehr va oqibat” society, which advocates for animal rights. In response to the incident, the society alerted the relevant authorities.
Following the investigation by the Ecological Control Inspection of the Ministry of Ecology and the Internal Affairs Ministry, it was confirmed that the bear had been transferred to the Fergana Zoo. The boxer, G‘iyosov, was summoned to the Ministry of Ecology, where officials reminded him of the government’s policies regarding the treatment and use of wild animals. Under a decree issued by the Cabinet of Ministers in 2025, it is now prohibited to keep wild animals in captivity for entertainment purposes, including in circuses.
According to the law, physical persons are forbidden from keeping wild animals in unnatural environments, and cruelty toward animals is strictly banned. The legislation, which came into force on January 1, 2025, includes all species of bears.
In a statement, G‘iyosov acknowledged his mistake and expressed regret for his actions. “I understand now the gravity of the situation, and I assure you that this will not happen again,” he said, apologizing for his involvement with the bear.
The boxer has been fined in accordance with Article 111 of the Administrative Liability Code of Uzbekistan, which stipulates penalties for violating laws related to wildlife conservation. He was penalized with a fine equivalent to three times the base calculation amount.
The Ministry of Ecology has reiterated its strong stance against any form of cruelty to animals, emphasizing that such actions will be met with legal consequences.
“We condemn any form of cruelty towards wild animals, and these types of violations will be dealt with according to the law,” said the Ministry in its statement.
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