How a TV journalist from Uzbekistan fights back digital violence: “Online abuse also hurts”

TV presenter and content creator Nilufar Sotiboldieva, from Uzbekistan knows firsthand what digital abuse feels like. A familiar face on national television, she is recognized not only for her work on TV but also for becoming one of the first women in the country to challenge online harassment in court, defending her dignity, holding the perpetrator accountable, and setting an important precedent for others.

“I grew up in an ordinary, educated family. My mom is a doctor, and my dad was an investigator,” she recalls. “Since childhood, I dreamed of working in television.” 

After graduating from the Institute of World Languages, Nilufar Sotiboldieva studied English. In 2004, she took her first steps into television as a sports presenter. “That's where my English skills came in handy,” she says. Today, Sotiboldieva is a well-known journalist and public figure, receiving both admiration and criticism online.

“My first experience with digital violence happened in 2020. I posted a simple photo with my daughter - both wearing long dresses – to wish her followers a blessed Ramadan. The next day, someone reposted the photo with horrific insults and fabricated stories about me. I was called things I will never forget,” she says. 

“I went to the police, but the investigation led nowhere. They said they couldn't identify the person. Some even tried to discourage me from filing a report. After three months, the case was closed,” she noted.

The threat that changed everything

In June 2024, it happened again. A stranger left an offensive comment under one of her posts. At first, she hesitated to report it, remembering the disappointment from her previous experience. But when the man began threatening her, she decided this time would be different. 

“I contacted a lawyer, who confirmed what I feared: my lack of legal knowledge had already worked against me. So we did things properly. We filed a complaint in June 2024 and waited six months for the trial, since the man was also being investigated for fraud.”

The trial began in January 2025. In court, that man apologized, claiming he ‘didn't like the way Sotiboldieva was raising her daughter.’ She refused to accept such justification.

“The court upheld my case. It confirmed that no one has the right to insult or humiliate another person.” The man was found guilty under Article 140 of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code and sentenced to one year of correctional labor, with 10 per cent of his income withheld by the state.

“This case became a litmus test”

But the verdict triggered a new wave of online bullying – this time from commentators who attacked her for going to court at all, repeating the familiar accusation: “She brought it upon herself.” 

Sotiboldieva stresses that digital violence is violence. It leaves real scars, and under Article 140 of the Criminal Code, it is a punishable offence in Uzbekistan. “Many people simply don’t know the law,” she says. “But my case reminded everyone that insults and threats online are crimes. I stood up not just for myself, but for every girl and woman who could end up in my place.”

For her, it was also deeply personal. Her daughter had recently experienced bullying too.

“I wanted to show my daughter that you must defend yourself till the end. I know how digital violence destroys self-esteem. We need to talk about this openly. If we want to change attitudes toward violence, it has to start with us - at home, in our families. Too often, aggression comes from repressed emotions, from children not being allowed to speak up, be angry, or cry. We need more school psychologists, comprehensive sexuality education, and a systemic, holistic approach.”

Her message to girls and young women is clear: “Develop yourself. Study. Play sports. Take care of your health. Invest in who you are. And never let anyone cross your boundaries. Use social media for good - for learning, exploring, growing - not as a battleground for insults and abuse.”