The demolition story: how did the face-to-face talk between Tashkent city khokim and the investor end?

We earlier reported about the meeting of khokim Jakhongir Artikhodjayev, held on April 27 at the administration of the capital, with an investor Mukhammadbobur Khujayev, as well as a private developer Aziz Zokirov, who suffered a loss as a result of demolition of their real estate. The meeting was also attended by the first deputy khokim, employees of the Artel and Akfa companies and media representatives.

During the discussion, the khokim bombarded the investor with questions that he obviously could not answer, he was not ready for such pressure. As a result of the discussion, an investor who demanded compensation in the amount of $1.35 million from the local authorities appeared to have decided to abandon his claims – Jakhongir Artikhodjayev presented an evidence of the illegal nature of his activities. After an hour and a half debate, the parties talked “one on one”, without witnesses. The content of this conversation has not yet been reported.

We met with Mukhammadbobur Khujayev and asked him to share his impressions of a personal meeting.

“After a tête-à-tête conversation with the khokim, I completely revised my position. He turned out to be a good person, and I was wrong. He pointed out to me the mistakes in my business and gave the necessary recommendations. I talked with many entrepreneurs and I was surprised that he, being a big businessman and head of the city administration, finds time to talk with ordinary citizens,” the investor said.

He noted that in recent months, he had expressed his complaints, not understanding the essence of the issue and apologized everyone for his conduct.

We asked M. Khujayev about the khokim's proposal to arrange an inspection of his work with the assistance of international experts.

“It doesn't scare me. Yes, there were shortcomings in several buildings, we sorted out this issue with our customers lawfully. I am not afraid of anyone except Allah and I am not an actor playing before the camera. I will correct my mistakes. I consider many rumors around the khokim to be false, this is my personal opinion. I think he is trying to help”.

Khujayev recommended everyone who has problems to make an appointment with the khokim and speak with him in person. He also noted that he will continue to operate within the framework of the law. The investor expressed his gratitude to representatives of the public, the media and all who supported him.