High-profile assassination attempt shakes Uzbekistan: The Allamjonov case explained

On February 12, the Military Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan concluded the trial of 10 individuals in the criminal case concerning the assassination attempt on Komil Allamjonov. The verdict was announced by Aziz Obidov, the press secretary of the Supreme Court.

According to the verdict, former Presidential Security Service employee Shukhrat Rasulov was sentenced to 23 years in prison, Javlon Yunusov to 18 years and 6 months, former Internal Affairs Department employee Doniyor Toshkhodjaev to 7 years, Shokhrukh Akhmedov to 23 years, and Ismoil Jahongirov to 23 years.

The remaining 5 defendants received various prison sentences depending on their actions, but their identities were not disclosed.

Key Figures Involved

Ismoil Jahongirov and Shohrukh Akhmedov gained attention after releasing a video one day after the assassination attempt, claiming responsibility. Initially dismissed as not serious, the court’s decision confirmed their involvement in the case. They alleged they were hired and misled by a man named Oybek, whose full identity remains unknown.

Shohrukh Akhmedov has been linked to Ramzan Kadyrov, as he was previously imprisoned in Turkey in 2021 for another assassination attempt related to Kadyrov's adversaries.

Javlon Yunusov, known as the owner of multiple companies in Uzbekistan, was identified as the ringleader of the assassination plot. He was previously on Interpol's wanted list, arrested in South Korea, and extradited to Uzbekistan.

Shukhrat Rasulov, sentenced to 23 years, was a high-ranking official and former head of the security department of the Presidential State Security Service. He was identified as the main organizer behind the assassination attempt.

Doniyor Tashkhodjaev, a colonel who held various high-ranking positions within the Internal Affairs Ministry, was accused of obstructing an impartial investigation into the Allamjonov case. Although the prosecutor initially sought a 9-year sentence, he received a 7-year prison term.

Komil Allamjonov's Reaction

Following the verdict, Komil Allamjonov shared his thoughts, stating, “The truth will out, no matter how twisted.”

“What I have gone through in the past 5 months is only known to me, my family, and my closest friends. The truth has not broken when it has been bent. There is still work to be done, and many more trying days ahead. May God grant us to come out of all this with a bright face!” he added.

Allamjonov concluded his message with his customary motto.

"May Allah grant us all good luck."

On October 26 at 01:40, while a Range Rover carrying Komil Allamjonov, the former head of the Information Policy Department of the Presidential Administration, was driving along Ifor Street in the Kibray district, two unidentified individuals fired several shots at the vehicle before fleeing in an unknown direction. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.

The Prosecutor General's Office launched a criminal investigation under Articles 25, 97 (Attempted murder), and 248 (Illegal handling of firearms, ammunition, main parts of firearms, explosives, or explosive devices) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. A special investigation team was formed, comprising members of the Prosecutor General's Office, Tashkent Regional, Tashkent City, Military, and Transport Prosecutor's Offices, as well as personnel from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Tashkent City Internal Affairs Bureau, and the Customs Committee.

The attempted assassination of a former Presidential Administration official marks an unprecedented event in Uzbekistan's history over the past 25-30 years, causing widespread concern. Following the incident, several high-ranking officials were dismissed, including Lieutenant General Abdusalom Azizov, who had served as the Chairman of the State Security Service since 2019, Colonel Akhrorjon Halimjonovich Atkhamov, Head of the Criminal Investigation Service of the Rapid Investigation Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Colonel Doniyor Bakhtiyorovich Toshkhojaev, First Deputy Head of the Tashkent City Police Department, Lieutenant Colonel Temur Akramovich Sobirov, Head of the Organized Crime Department of the Rapid Investigation Service of the Tashkent City Police Department, Colonel Alijon Ganievich Ashurov, former Head of the Internal Security Department of the State Security Service, and Sarvar Ganievich Ashurov, who served as Assistant to the Prime Minister and Head of the Prime Minister's Reception Office.

Although no official reason has been provided for these dismissals, speculation has linked them to the assassination attempt on Komil Allamjonov. Unofficial reports about the incident are gradually being confirmed, though no clear connection has been publicly established.

Meanwhile, reports have emerged that Dmitry Liga, the Director of the National Agency for Promising Projects of Uzbekistan, may also have been targeted. This incident, occurring shortly after the assassination attempt on Allamjonov, is believed to be related to the same case.

Two Russian Chechen citizens accused of carrying out the assassination were placed on Interpol's wanted list by Uzbekistan:

• Bislan Rasaev, born on May 26, 1988, in Russia, was previously accused of participating in armed conflicts in Ukraine.
• Shamil Temurkhanov, born on August 10, 1993, in Russia, is described as 1.90 meters tall and weighing 90 kg.

Both men are listed under the red category for extremely serious crimes. However, Bislan Rasaev's name recently disappeared from Interpol's wanted list, leading to speculation that he was arrested and extradited to Uzbekistan. The Uzbek Ministry of Internal Affairs has not confirmed this, suggesting there could be other explanations.

Amid these developments, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov issued a public statement, directly threatening Komil Allamjonov and Dmitry Liga.

"I advise you, Komil Allamjonov and Dmitry Liga, not to play the role of victims. Whatever you are planning, it is better to stop in time. Otherwise, you will have to answer for all the intrigues, slander, and speculation. And now I am talking about the answer according to our traditions," Kadyrov warned.

Allamjonov has also shifted his focus to defending his employees, who were accused of attempting to assassinate him and were sentenced to life imprisonment. Seven of his employees have filed new appeals, but their trial, which began on January 13, was unexpectedly suspended. According to Allamjonov's lawyer, external pressure may have influenced this decision, although the source of this pressure remains unclear.

As the case continues to unfold, it is becoming increasingly complex. Continue to follow the development of events with QALAMPIR.UZ.