Tashkent court sentences man who protested against gas station closure and energy sector failures

The incident occurred on December 23, 2024, at a gas station owned by “Morotrans” LLC on Oltintopgan Street in Tashkent's Bektemir district. The man, identified as G. Dustov, had reportedly waited for six hours in line to refuel. When his turn came, the station abruptly closed. Frustrated, he publicly displayed his torn shoes while directing sharp criticism toward the gas station staff and energy sector officials.

Court documents reviewed by Kun.uz reveal that Dustov, “in a fit of anger, verbally insulted station employees, causing a disturbance.” During the hearing, he expressed regret for his actions, promising the court such behavior would not be repeated and requesting leniency.

However, on December 26, Judge D.A. Dadakhanova of the Bektemir District Criminal Court found Dustov guilty of committing petty hooliganism under Article 183 of the Administrative Code. He was sentenced to 15 days of administrative detention.

In addition to the jail term, Dustov was ordered to pay expenses related to his detention at a special holding facility operated by the Tashkent Police Department. These costs amount to 843,750 UZS, calculated as 15% of the base calculation unit per day of detention.