In his story, Bekzod Zafarov talks about what he does in the colony, emphasizing that he performs various household and construction work, as well as working at a manufacturing enterprise.
“I am the eldest son of Bakhtier Kudratullaev. Before my arrest, I thought I could follow in my father's footsteps and take his place. But now I understand that it was a big mistake. I have been in custody for a year, helping with household chores, working on construction sites and in a workshop where we deal with metal structures,” he shares.
“My life before and after the arrest is two completely different worlds. Here, it doesn't matter who you are — the law is the same for everyone. No one should aspire to a criminal lifestyle and its 'authorities.' There is nothing good in that. It is better to serve the people and be useful to society,” he adds.
Bekzod also talks about his family and how much he misses his children. “Next year, my eldest son will go to school. He told me: 'Dad, come back soon, I miss you.' These words constantly echo in my head. I see my children in my dreams,” he confesses.
“It hurts to realize that I cannot take my son to the first grade, I cannot participate in his life. My daughter is just starting to learn to speak, and I cannot see that. I am to blame for everything. It is wrong to blame someone else; the responsibility lies solely with me,” he says, acknowledging his mistakes.
“I understand that I should have studied and worked honestly, been useful to my country, and stayed close to my family. That would have been a thousand times better,” Zafarov emphasizes.
He also noted that he underestimated the consequences of his actions, calling for a life in accordance with the law. “If I could go back to the past, I would choose the honest path, work hard, and be with my family. I made a big mistake. One must know the law and abide by it. No conditions in prison can compare to life with family. I have been in custody for over two years and have realized that it is better to have a piece of bread with loved ones than to have pilaf here, even in golden dishes,” he concludes, asking for forgiveness and sincerely repenting for what he has done.
Bekzod Zafarov, born in 1994 in Tashkent, is the eldest son of Bakhtier Kudratullaev. He was sentenced to 11 years for extortion and fraud. His younger brother Ikhtier received 9 years, and their father was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
