Khujand, Tajikistan — Former rector of Khujand State University, Ayub Usmonzoda, has been sentenced to seven years in prison on bribery charges, according to a source from the Sughd Regional Court cited by Asia-Plus. The verdict was delivered on June 26, 2025.
Usmonzoda was found guilty under Part 4 of Article 319 of Tajikistan’s Criminal Code for accepting a large bribe from a public official. However, the court has not disclosed the amount involved or specific details surrounding the bribe.
He was arrested on March 11, 2025, in Sughd province. His wife has publicly maintained his innocence, expressing hope that the truth will eventually emerge.
Usmonzoda’s detention followed the arrest of Parviz Ruzizoda, dean of the university’s Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, who was also charged with bribery and sexual assault. Ruzizoda died in custody on June 13, reportedly from heart disease, just days before the court could sentence him to a 17-year prison term.
This case forms part of a larger corruption scandal at Khujand State University. In February, Safar Salimzoda, head of Tajikistan’s Anti-Corruption Agency in Sughd, described the university as a “corrupt institution,” revealing that at least 49 corruption cases had been uncovered there. Investigations continue, with several university staff members facing pending charges.
Attempts to contact Usmonzoda’s legal team or family for further comment have so far been unsuccessful.
