Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Boxer Shakhram Giyasov has apologized for sparring with a bear and received an administrative fine.

The athlete found himself at the center of a scandal after a video of him training with a bear was posted on social media. This caused widespread public outrage and condemnation.

As a result, an environmental inspection conducted by the Ministry of Ecology, in cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, carried out an investigation.

The investigation revealed a violation of the law under Article 111 of the Code of Administrative Responsibility of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

An administrative protocol was drawn up against Giyasov, and a fine of three times the base calculation amount was imposed. The organizers of the training provided written explanations, and the bear was transferred to the Ferghana Zoo.

Additionally, Shakhram Giyasov was summoned to the Ministry of Ecology, Environment, and Climate Change.

During the meeting, he was reminded of the prohibition on keeping wild animals by private individuals and using them for various purposes, as stipulated by the Cabinet of Ministers’ resolution on measures to improve the regulation of wild animal management.

The athlete acknowledged his mistake, apologized, and promised not to engage in such behavior again.

The Ministry of Ecology issued an official statement condemning cruelty to animals and emphasizing that such violations lead to strict legal consequences.