Defamation dispute between journalist and blogger moves to closed court

The trial in the civil lawsuit filed by Uzdiplomat editor-in-chief Anora Sodiqova against blogger Mirsaid Haydarov began today, February 26, at the Shaykhontohur Interdistrict Court for Civil Cases. However, the court has ruled that the proceedings will be held behind closed doors, as announced by the Tashkent city courts.

"During today's hearing, the defendant was introduced to the lawsuit and the supporting documents. The plaintiff also applied to amend the initial complaint.

Sodiqova's lawyer petitioned for an open trial with media coverage under Article 208 of the Code of Civil Procedure. However, the defendant's lawyer requested a closed session, citing the personal nature of the dispute, which involved Haydarov’s private life and correspondence. After considering the arguments of both parties, the presiding judge ruled in favor of the defendant, invoking Part 3 of Article 12 of the Code of Civil Procedure. As a result, all court sessions in this case will be conducted in a closed format," the report states.

According to the lawsuit, Sodiqova seeks an apology, a retraction of statements published on Uzdiplomat, and compensation for moral damages. While initial reports suggested the case involved allegations of defamation on social media and anonymous channels, Haydarov stated today that no such accusations were included in the lawsuit.