Complaint by Minister of Energy over social media post rejected

The Tashkent City Internal Affairs Department has declined to initiate a criminal case based on the complaint filed by the Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamahmudov. The complaint related to a social media post from 2023 concerning the Sagbon substation. The decision was announced by economist and blogger Otabek Bakirov on his Telegram channel.

According to reports, the Internal Affairs Department’s refusal was based on the conclusion of an expert examination conducted by the Agency of Information and Mass Communications (AOKA). The findings stated that the reasons cited in the Minister’s complaint were not substantiated. Additionally, it was noted that over 1.5 years had passed since the post in question was published.

“I express my civil gratitude to the internal affairs bodies for the prompt investigation and actions taken in this case,” Bakirov commented in response to the decision.

For context, the Minister of Energy had argued that the content of the post was insulting and defamatory, and he requested that legal action be taken against Bakirov. However, with the decision of the Internal Affairs Department, no further action will be taken in relation to the complaint.