Blogger Murod Maqsudov was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison

Murod Maqsudov, a blogger and activist associated with the "Ezgulik" society, has been sentenced to 7.5 years in prison, according to a report by the press service of the Tashkent City Courts.

The Yashnobod District Court's judgment on June 4 acquitted Maqsudov of charges under Article 168 (fraud) of the Criminal Code, Parts 1 and 2, and Article 83 (grounds for rehabilitation) of the Criminal Procedure Code, Part 2. As a result, he was rehabilitated on these charges.

However, Maqsudov was found guilty of defamation under Article 139, Part 3, paragraphs "a" and "g"; extortion under Article 165, Part 2, paragraph "b"; and misappropriation or robbery by means of fraud under Article 167, Part 2, paragraphs "b" and "g". He was sentenced to 7 years and 6 months in prison according to Articles 59 and 61 of the Criminal Code.

The court ordered that Maqsudov serve his sentence in a general regime penal colony.

The court message also noted, “Parties dissatisfied with the verdict have the right to appeal and protest to the criminal trial panel of the Tashkent City Court within ten days from the date of the verdict announcement and from when the defendant receives a copy of the verdict. Appeals can be filed through the cassation procedure after the sentence comes into force.”