Court sentences two for spreading false information about “Hisorak” reservoir incident

On June 10, 2024, a water leak was detected during engineering and technical measures to open an additional tunnel at the “Hisorak” reservoir, part of the “Hisorak HPP” UCC in the Shakhrisabz district of the Kashkadarya region. In the wake of the incident, individuals who spread false information about the situation have been penalized. QALAMPIR.UZ obtained a court document outlining the details.

Following the leak, some citizens began spreading unfounded rumors about the reservoir on social media, causing widespread panic and damaging the rights and legally protected interests of others. As a result, criminal charges were filed against D.U., N.A., and other individuals involved. A criminal case was opened under Part 3, Clause “b” of Article 2446 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and an investigation was carried out.

On December 26, 2024, the Shahrisabz District Criminal Court reviewed the case and issued its verdict regarding the two individuals responsible for inciting panic.

Court documents revealed that the first defendant posted in the “Classmates” Telegram group, claiming that damage to the dam could result in flooding of the Shahrisabz district. He said that he and his family had fled to the Dehqanabad district for safety. The second defendant spread false rumors in various Telegram groups, asserting that the dam was not clogged and that the situation was under control. He claimed that the reservoir could hold water for five hours, and that officials, including the President, were on their way to manage the crisis. He further falsely stated that the reservoir could rupture, reaching the districts of Karshi, Koson, and Chirakchi, which led to preventative measures being taken.

These false claims resulted in a financial damage of 380 million sums to citizens and society.

The defendants admitted their guilt and sought leniency. The court convicted them under Article 2446, Part 4, Clause “b” of the Criminal Code (Dissemination of false information) and sentenced them to two years of liberty restriction, with a curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. They were also given several obligations:

- They are prohibited from participating in public events.
- They are barred from using the internet.
- They cannot change their place of residence or work without prior approval from the supervisory authority.
- They are restricted to staying within the Kashkadarya region.
- They must notify the supervisory authority if they change their place of residence or work.