Freedom of speech on the brink of collapse: Kun.uz fined administratively

7. A program named “Dowry is a woman’s tenure” published on April 18, 2021.

In the conclusion submitted by the assessment, the above materials show that there are no calls for constitutional changes to the current state system of Uzbekistan, the seizure of power, the establishment of an Islamic state and the introduction of a caliphate. Also, there is no evidence of extremism, separatism and fanaticism, disruption of civil harmony, slander, destabilizing fabrications, propaganda of national, racial, ethnic and religious hatred in them.

However, in the report “New Zealand police introduce hijab-style uniform”, there was an excerpt that caused discontent by officials – “I feel that Muslim women should also work more in the police. In New Zealand, it is great to see that hijab has been introduced as part of the police uniform. I think Muslims who see this may be more interested in applying for this job,” Zina Ali was quoted as saying. The presence of hijab-wearing policewomen even in non-Muslim countries was targeted, that’s why it was emphasized that its dissemination was prohibited as it could lead to the silent raising of controversial issues among the population.

Also, all the above materials were prepared in violation of resolution No 10 of the Cabinet of Ministers “On measures to improve the procedure for the preparation, import and distribution of religious materials” of January 20, 2014 (they were not examined by theologians). Due to this, their import, preparation and distribution on the territory of Uzbekistan is prohibited.

Based on the provided details, the administrative court found that the head of Kun.uz had committed an offense under Article 184-2 of the Administrative Responsibility Code (illegal preparation, storage, import or distribution of religious materials). He has been fined in the amount of 50 BCAs (12 million 250 thousand soums).

It should be noted that Kun.uz editorial board has long been cooperating with the expert group of the Committee on Religious Affairs in the preparation of religious materials.

Taking into account the fact that the majority of the population of Uzbekistan is Muslim, Kun.uz aims to contribute to the reduction of social problems, domestic and family conflicts and conducts moral talks with imams officially appointed to relevant positions by the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan.

One of the programs sent to the Committee by the MIA for an expert opinion was a live interview with the Deputy Imam of the Sheikh Muhammad Sadiq Muhammad Yusuf Mosque, Khasankhan Yakhya Abdulmajid, during the month of Ramadan in 2021.

Kun.uz acknowledges that it is responsible for the observance of all laws in the country. It informs that in the future, any materials and news on religious issues will be provided only through theological examination of the Committee on Religious Affairs.