Human rights activist Abdurakhmon Tashanov reported that the investigation into the Taftish.uz case is being conducted by military investigators, and the case materials have been transferred to the Military Prosecutor’s Office. According to him, the case involves a large number of complaints from citizens and is partially being handled in a closed procedure.
He noted that “more than 400 complaints from citizens against the website’s team have been reviewed so far,” adding that the investigation is being carried out by a group of investigators from different regions. According to him, “several officers of the State Security Service are among the accused, which is why the case has been transferred to the Military Prosecutor’s Office.”
The human rights activist also emphasized the possible closed nature of the proceedings. According to him, “there is a high probability that the trial will also be held behind closed doors.” He separately pointed out that earlier, “without respecting the presumption of innocence, investigation secrets were disclosed immediately after the arrests, and the website team was subjected to virtual punishment.”
Earlier: Interior Ministry version and arrests
On January 17, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan published an official statement alleging that individuals linked to Taftish.uz were engaged in extortion and fraud. According to the ministry, materials were published to pressure citizens and entrepreneurs, after which money was demanded for their removal.
The ministry named G’ayrat Aberayev as the central figure, describing him as the leader of the group. It also mentioned Taftish.uz staff members Azizjon Yuldashev, Dilshod Nishonov, and Marjona Eshquvvatova, among others. The ministry claimed that such practices were carried out in various regions of the country.
A day earlier, on January 16, the Main Department of Internal Affairs of Tashkent reported the detention of five individuals, including Taftish.uz employees, on suspicion of crimes under Articles 165 (extortion) and 168 (fraud) of the Criminal Code. Possible involvement in defamation and dissemination of false information was also being investigated.
Positions of the parties
The official statements from the Interior Ministry did not include comments from the detainees, their lawyers, or representatives of Taftish.uz.
The activist’s statement was one of the first public reactions raising concerns about respect for the presumption of innocence and the closed nature of the investigation. In his view, officials who previously made the accusations public should also comment on the confidential aspects of the case.
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