The Tashkent City Court of Appeals on July 21, 2025, made a new decision regarding the serious case of protecting honor and dignity raised by the famous journalist Anora Sodikova. This was reported by Upl.uz.
The court reviewed and annulled the previous ruling of the first instance court. The previous ruling had imposed a significant compensation obligation on the blogger known by the pseudonym "Mufasa," Mirsayid Haydarov.
This information was presented to the public by human rights defender Abdurahmon Tashanov. According to the court's decision, Mirsayid Haydarov will pay Anora Sodikova 25 million soums in compensation for moral damages.
Additionally, the blogger is also required to pay an extra 5 million soums in compensation related to court expenses. As an important part of the ruling, the blogger was required to publicly apologize and to remove the publications considered in court from the media.
Journalist Anora Sodikova confirmed in a statement to the media that she received the court's decision and expressed her satisfaction with the positive outcome of the appeal process. She emphasized that the initial ruling, namely the decision of the Shaykhontohur District Court, had dissatisfied her.
This is because, despite the clarity and transparency of the insulting words, the claim had been rejected. According to Sodikova, the term "journalist" is perceived as an insult and creates a false impression of being of lower class when used against professional journalists.
She noted that the previous ruling created a dangerous legal precedent in protecting journalists' rights. This could allow representatives of the press to be insulted without consequences.
Sodikova described this victory not only as her personal achievement but also as an important event for journalists in Uzbekistan. She also expressed hope that this case would inspire her fellow journalists to defend their rights and professional dignity.
It should be noted that on May 28, 2025, the judge of the Shaykhontohur District Civil Court had rejected Anora Sodikova's initial claim. At that time, the journalist stated that the process had been conducted in a closed manner and that the court's decision was directed in favor of the defendant.
This situation sparked widespread discussions in society regarding freedom of speech and the protection of journalists' rights.
