In Khorezm Region, two people have been arrested in another case involving representatives of Uzbekistan’s media sector. The regional Department of Internal Affairs reported that the leaders of the “Within the Law” project were detained in Urgench. This was reported by podrobno.uz. reports .
According to official information, the project was led by 45-year-old lawyer Furkat Ruzmetov; 33-year-old lawyer Azamat Avezov, who worked under him, was also detained. The investigation unit under the Urgench City Department of Internal Affairs is conducting a pre-investigation inquiry based on complaints received from a group of citizens.
Investigators are bringing charges against the suspects under several articles of the Criminal Code. In particular, they cite defamation and the deliberate dissemination of knowingly false information connected with accusing someone of a serious crime, extortion on a very large scale and in the interests of an organized group, as well as fraud involving abuse of official position.
Law enforcement agencies also reported episodes involving the production and use of forged documents, seals and stamps, as well as acts of arbitrariness. One separate episode in the case concerns the environment: significant damage was recorded as a result of the deliberate destruction of trees and crops.
The regional Department of Internal Affairs stated that Ruzmetov and Avezov are not the only individuals involved in this criminal case and that there are other persons implicated. However, in the interests of the investigation, their number and names are not being disclosed yet. Evidence collection across all episodes is ongoing.
Previously, employees of the Taftish.uz outlet were also detained. According to the investigation’s version, they regularly attempted to extort large sums of money from entrepreneurs and citizens, threatening to spread defamatory information under the guise of journalism. Charges have also been announced in their case, and the investigation continues.
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