Energy Minister files complaint against economist Otabek Bakirov over alleged defamation

Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamahmudov has filed a complaint with the Prosecutor's Office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs against economist Otabek Bakirov. The complaint relates to a post Bakirov made in 2023 regarding issues with the Sagbon substation. The economist himself disclosed this on his Telegram channel.  

According to Minister Mirzamahmudov, the post contains insults and defamation, prompting him to request legal action against Bakirov.  

“Interestingly, the post, which covered the chronic problem related to the Sagbon substation — where a statue will be erected at some point — was written on June 5, 2023, or 1 year and 7 months ago. Mirzamahmudov submitted a complaint to the authorities on October 10, 2024, that is, a year and 4 months later. What's even more interesting is that Minister Mirzamahmudov filed his complaint 6 days after he became a guest on the 'Lolazor' podcast," Bakirov remarked.  

Bakirov noted that after the first episode of the podcast, he visited the Sagbon substation — which has undergone continuous repairs — at the invitation of energy workers. He produced a brief report on the situation. Since then, the Tashkent district has reportedly been disconnected from Sagbon and is receiving electricity from other district substations.  

"The complaint was filed not by citizen Mirzamahmudov, but by Minister Mirzamahmudov," Bakirov emphasized. He also stated that the Cybersecurity Department of Tashkent's Internal Affairs Department is currently reviewing the complaint.  

QALAMPIR.UZ attempted to obtain a comment from the Ministry of Energy, but the ministry's press service stated that it could not provide a comment at this time.