Law Professors Sue Human Rights Activist for Criticizing Legal Academia
Two Professors Sue Human Rights Activist Over Facebook Post
Two professors from Tashkent State University of Law have filed a lawsuit against human rights activist Abdurahmon Tashanov, alleging that a Facebook post he published had damaged their dignity and professional reputation. The post, titled “I Pity You, Gentlemen!” was uploaded on February 28, 2025, and has since caused a legal dispute between the parties involved.
Professors Razzok Altiev and Otabek Narziev are claiming that the post, along with the comments made on it, contained offensive language that insulted their dignity and tarnished their professional reputation, as well as that of other university faculty members. The case is currently under review at the Mirobod Interdistrict Civil Court, with Judge Behzod Sagatov presiding over the hearing.
Notably, media outlets and representatives from several foreign embassies in Uzbekistan were not permitted to attend the closed hearing that took place on April 11. Journalists from reputable sources such as Gazeta.uz, River, Qalampir.uz, Asking, and Paradigma.uz, along with civil society representatives and officials from the U.S., France, Germany, the UK, and the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan, were denied entry to the courtroom.
Following the court session, Tashanov expressed his surprise at the lawsuit, stating that he was previously unaware of the professors who initiated legal action against him. He explained that the decision to respond publicly was made after being repeatedly criticized by Altiev and Narziev on his Facebook posts, with the professors labeling him as unprofessional, sensationalist, and populist.
Tashanov also mentioned a smear campaign against him on social media, following the Gayrat Dustov Case, which led to him filing complaints with law enforcement agencies. Investigations are currently ongoing to address the matter.
In their lawsuit, Altiev and Narziev are requesting that Tashanov issue a retraction of the post, issue a public apology, delete the original post, and compensate them with 200 million UZS for moral damages. The court has adjourned until April 14 to deliberate on the case further.
It is worth noting that Abdurahmon Tashanov, who heads the human rights organization “Ezgulik,” was honored with France’s international “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” Prize in December 2024. The award was presented to him by the French Prime Minister on December 10.
