On August 14, the Criminal Court of Yashnabad District in Tashkent continued hearing the case against former Chairman of the Board of Uzbekneftegaz, Bahodirjon Sidikov, and other defendants. At the start of the session, presiding judge Jasurbek Ubaydullayev considered a motion by Sidikov's lawyer, Khusanov, to change the preventive measure.
At a previous hearing, the defense requested a change in the preventive measure, citing the former Uzbekneftegaz head's health condition and the alleged violation of his parliamentary immunity during arrest. It was noted that Sidikov was a deputy of the Joqarg'i Kenes of Karakalpakstan at the time of his detention. The prosecutor opposed the motion, while lawyers for other defendants either supported the request or left the decision to the court's discretion.
Following the review, the court rejected the lawyer's motion to change the preventive measure. Subsequently, the prosecutor filed a motion to hold the proceedings behind closed doors, claiming that the discussion involves classified documents or materials marked "For Official Use Only."
The court heard the opinions of all participants. Some lawyers supported the prosecutor's motion, while others left the decision to the court. Sidikov's lawyer Khusanov asked to partially grant the motion, noting that some materials are not classified but only marked "For Official Use." He proposed closing the session to the public only during the examination of such documents, keeping the rest of the process open.
This position was supported by another of Sidikov's lawyers, Muminov, and by Sidikov himself. Former deputy chairman of Uzbekneftegaz, Bakhtiyor Anarkulov, also favored partial satisfaction of the prosecutor's motion. Other defendants either supported the closed-door hearing or left the matter to the court's discretion.
After the discussion, the court ruled to continue the criminal case in a closed session. Following the announcement, the judge allowed civil respondents to remain in the courtroom. Journalists and other non-participants left the session.
The case of Bahodirjon Sidikov and other defendants is being heard by the Yashnabad District Criminal Court. Prior to the decision to close the proceedings, sessions were held openly, and media representatives could attend and provide text coverage. The court has not yet issued a verdict or given a final assessment of the arguments from the prosecution and defense. In line with the presumption of innocence, the defendants are considered innocent until their guilt is proven by a court verdict that has entered into legal force.
Source: www.gazeta.uz