Supreme Judicial Council takes legal action against “Effekt.uz” chief for alleged false reporting on judiciary
The director of the news website Effekt.uz, Akmal Eshonkhonov, is currently embroiled in a legal battle after a submission by the Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council. The trial began on April 14, 2025, at the Mirzo Ulugbek District Criminal Court, with Judge Jahongir Saidov presiding over the proceedings. Eshonkhonov is facing charges related to allegedly spreading false information.
During the court session, Judge Saidov allowed media representatives to attend as observers but prohibited them from taking photos, videos, or audio recordings. This decision sparked objections from the defense team, questioning the judge’s impartiality in handling the case. The defense also requested permission to record the session, but this request was denied.
Eshonkhonov denied being the author of the controversial articles about the Supreme Judicial Council and its activities. He stated that the Ministry of Internal Affairs officer who initiated the case did not verify the information before taking legal action. Eshonkhonov also mentioned that he would have been willing to publish a retraction if formally requested by the Council.
One of the pivotal issues discussed in court was an article published by Effekt.uz that raised questions about judicial appointments. The judge requested evidence to support the claims made in the article, and Eshonkhonov confirmed that he approved its publication after it passed through the editorial board.
The hearing was adjourned to allow Eshonkhonov to submit relevant documents, with the next session scheduled for April 16, 2025. The conflict between Effekt.uz and the Supreme Judicial Council originated from articles alleging corruption among judges, leading to formal complaints and eventually the ongoing trial.
The case highlights the delicate balance between freedom of speech and accountability in the media landscape, with both sides presenting their arguments before the court. As the trial unfolds, the outcome will have implications for press freedom and journalism in the country.
