Was the journalist who urged officials in Navoi to leave their offices under pressure?

Reports have circulated on social media suggesting that journalist Rukhsora Bobokulova faced pressure after she spoke openly on live television about toxic smoke in Navoi. Some claimed that live broadcasts on the Navoi regional television and radio channel had been suspended following her remarks. The press service of the Navoi regional administration has responded to these claims.

During a live broadcast, Bobokulova stated that toxic gases were spreading across Navoi, and urged female employees of the environmental department to "come out of their cold rooms and find out where it was coming from."

According to officials, the temporary suspension of live broadcasts on July 23 was due to technical work in the television studio, including the installation of a new LED screen. The administration reported that broadcasts resumed later that day, with the program “Open Dialogue” airing at 18:00 on July 24, followed by the morning show “Assalamu, yangi kun!” on July 25 from 8:00 to 10:00.

Authorities denied that Bobokulova had faced any pressure and confirmed that she continues her journalistic work as usual.

“The Navoi regional administration always supports the principles of freedom of speech, openness, and transparency in the media, which are among the core values of a democratic society,” the official statement said.

To recall, on the morning of July 19, a cloud of dusty smoke covered Navoi city and surrounding areas. A similar occurrence was observed on July 21. Many residents blamed “Navoi Azot” JSC for the pollution. In response, surveillance cameras were installed near the ammonium nitrate workshop of the plant. The footage later showed that the dust-like smoke was actually originating from enterprises located at the former site of the Navoi Electrochemical Plant.