Second court hearing in case of Mubashshir Ahmad held in Tashkent (video)

On September 8 at 16:00, the second court hearing in the case of religious scholar and blogger Mubashshir Ahmad (real name Alisher Tursunov), founder of the information and analytical portal “Azon Global,” took place at the Uchtepa District Court of Tashkent, “Azon Global” reported.

A number of public representatives, journalists, and relatives of Ahmad gathered outside the court building. Those entering the courtroom were required to hand over recording devices, cameras, and mobile phones.

The trial had previously been postponed on August 19 due to the absence of witnesses. At today’s hearing, witnesses who appeared were also unable to provide sufficient evidence to support the charges. According to preliminary information, the charge of “inciting interethnic conflict” was dropped, and one witness’s claim was dismissed.

“Unfortunately, the court hearing was postponed again and will continue on September 15. The reason for this was the lack of time to interrogate the teacher,” the outlet reported.

A criminal case was initiated against Tursunov under Article 244-1 (preparation, storage, distribution or demonstration of materials that threaten public safety and public order) and Article 244-3 (illegal preparation, storage, import or distribution of materials of religious content) of the Criminal Code. He remains in custody under a precautionary measure of arrest.

In May of this year, it was reported that Tursunov had been detained at his home in the Bahçeşehir district of Istanbul as a suspect. Later, reports circulated on social media that he had been extradited from Turkey to Uzbekistan. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan subsequently confirmed his extradition.