Four Judges Dismissed in Connection to Akmal Shukurov Case

Major personnel changes take place in the capital’s judicial system. Due to violations of the law in the administration of justice, the Deputy Chair of the Tashkent City Court and three other judges have been dismissed from their positions. The Supreme Judicial Council confirmed that these dismissals are directly related to the high-profile "Akmal Shukurov case."

Dismissals and new appointments

In line with the Presidential decree and the decision of the Supreme Judicial Council, the following individuals had their powers terminated prematurely:

• Murodjon Mirzajonov — Deputy Chair of the Tashkent City Court;
• Muhtarama Turg‘unova, Odilbek Ilhomjonov, and Mirziyod Abidov — judges of the Tashkent City Criminal Court.

To fill the position of Deputy Chair of the Tashkent City Court, Farhodjon G‘aniyev, who previously held a leadership position in the Andijan region, has been appointed.

What is the 'Akmal Shukurov case' that shook the system?

The chain of events that led to the dismissal of the judges began in September of this year. Akmal Shukurov caused severe bodily injury to an individual near "The Tower" hotel, leaving the person in a coma. He was apprehended in Kazakhstan and extradited. Initially, Shukurov was sentenced to 8 years and 1 month in prison.

A shocking turn of events: On December 9, the appeals instance of the Tashkent City Court unexpectedly reduced the sentence, reclassifying it to restricted freedom and releasing the defendant from custody in the courtroom.

Upholding justice

Following public outrage and a protest by the prosecutor’s office, the case was reviewed under supervisory proceedings on December 18. As a result:

1. Akmal Shukurov was sentenced to 6 years of imprisonment and returned to custody.
2. The judges who issued the questionable decision underwent an internal investigation and were dismissed for "violating the rule of law."

This incident highlights increased oversight of judicial corruption and unlawful rulings in the court system.

Do you think such sweeping reforms in the judicial system will enhance trust in the administration of justice?

Shuhrat Razzakov

Editor of «ZAMIN.UZ»