UAE sentences an individual for helping the murders

Abu Dhabi, March 31 – The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal has sentenced three Uzbeks to death and a fourth to life imprisonment for the kidnapping and murder of Moldovan-Israeli citizen Zvi Kogan, as reported by the UAE's WAM news agency.  

The Attorney General, Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, confirmed that after thorough investigations, it was determined that the defendants had stalked and killed Kogan. The four individuals were brought to trial in January 2025. The court proceedings included detailed confessions by the defendants, forensic medical examination reports, post-mortem findings, tools used in the crime, and witness statements.  

The court unanimously sentenced the three defendants to death for the murder and kidnapping, while their accomplice was sentenced to life imprisonment and will be deported after serving his sentence.  

Under UAE law, death sentences are automatically appealed and sent for review to the Criminal Division of the Federal Supreme Court.  

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The UAE Prosecutor General emphasized that the verdict highlights the country's commitment to high justice standards in combating terrorism and maintaining national security and stability. He also noted that the UAE judicial system stands firm against any actions that threaten security, while ensuring protection for all residents, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.  

The three Uzbeks convicted are identified as 28-year-old Olimboy Tohirovich, 33-year-old Azizbek Komilovich, and Mahmudjon Abdulrahim. The identity of the fourth defendant, convicted of aiding the crime and sentenced to life imprisonment, was not disclosed.  

For additional context, last November, the Uzbek Consulate General in Dubai and the Embassy in Abu Dhabi stated they were in constant contact with UAE authorities to address the case, but no official response from Uzbekistan has been issued following the court's verdict.