Court rejects journalist Anora Sodiqova’s defamation lawsuit against blogger

Journalist Anora Sodiqova’s defamation lawsuit against blogger Mirsaid Haydarov has been dismissed by the Shaykhontohur Interdistrict Civil Court of Tashkent. The decision was announced on May 28.

Sodiqova claimed that seven Facebook posts published by Haydarov were defamatory and damaging to her reputation. The trial began on February 26 and, despite involving a journalist and a blogger, was held behind closed doors. The proceedings were presided over by Judge Dilnoza Shomatova.

The court rejected the journalist’s claim under Article 100 of the Civil Code, which pertains to the protection of honor, dignity, and business reputation. In addition, the court ordered Sodiqova to pay 750,000 soums in state duty to the government.

Blogger Mirsaid Haydarov did not appear in court in person; however, his legal representatives were present throughout the trial.

Following the verdict, Anora Sodiqova announced that she intends to appeal the court’s decision.