The Supreme Court of Tajikistan has opened proceedings in the case of Parviz Odinayev, who is accused of torturing and killing his 15-year-old son, according to Radio Ozodi and judicial sources.

The trial began in late September and is being overseen by Judge Daler Kholiqmurodzoda, a source at the Supreme Court told Asia-Plus.  A verdict has not yet been announced, but reporters are expected to be allowed to attend the final hearing when the ruling is delivered.

Odinayev faces charges under Article 110 (3) of Tajikistan’s Criminal Code — intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm — which carries a sentence of 12 to 15 years in prison.

Shocking details of the case

The case sparked widespread public outrage after a video surfaced online appearing to show Odinayev forcing his son to confess to stealing 600 somonis (about $55) while threatening him.

According to the Interior Ministry, on July 26, Odinayev tied his son’s leg to a car and dragged him along the ground, accusing the teenager of stealing 800 somonis in May and another 600 somonis in July.  The boy sustained severe injuries and died at home shortly afterward. Authorities later confirmed his death as the result of torture and abuse.

Relatives told local media that the teenager, named Khusrav, had previously complained about physical violence from his father, who allegedly abused alcohol and used nasvai (a local tobacco product).

Broader concerns over child abuse

The case has reignited national discussion about domestic violence and child protection in Tajikistan, where several similar incidents have occurred in recent months.

In one recent case in Farkhor district of Khatlon province, a 28-year-old woman, Madina Halimova, reportedly threw herself and her four children into the Surkhob River — only she survived.  Her case is currently being heard by the Khatlon Regional Court.

In another incident in June, a woman from the Qubodiyon district of Khatlon province stabbed her three children, one of whom died. She was convicted of murder and sentenced to 28 years in prison.