A 47-year-old man, identified as A.Ch., climbed a tree in front of the Supreme Court building in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to protest judicial decisions in his criminal case. The incident occurred on March 30, with photos quickly circulating on social media. According to the Supreme Court's press service, after the man was brought down, Chairman Baxtiyor Islomov received him, and his complaint was officially registered for review through established procedures.

The man's criminal case originated from a verdict by the Chilanzar District Court on October 5, 2020. He was acquitted of tax evasion charges but convicted of embezzlement or misappropriation, receiving a 7-year prison sentence. This verdict was upheld by higher courts, highlighting potential systemic issues in the judiciary that may drive citizens to desperate acts of protest.

In a statement, the Supreme Court emphasized that citizens' right to judicial protection is guaranteed by law, and they can freely appeal to the court through proper channels without resorting to unusual or dangerous actions. It stated, "Such actions as climbing a tree do not contribute to resolving the issue. Appeals should be submitted in the manner and forms established by legislation." This response underscores official efforts to discourage public dissent while not addressing the root causes of dissatisfaction.

The Supreme Court advised citizens to enhance their legal culture and use lawful mechanisms to protect their rights. However, this incident raises concerns about trust in Uzbekistan's judicial system, where such protests may indicate shortcomings in access to justice and the effectiveness of formal complaint procedures.

Source: kun.uz