Journalists barred from covering Aziz Voitov’s trial, sparking concerns about transparency

The trial of former Minister of Agriculture Aziz Voitov and 49 defendants continues in the Yunusabad District Criminal Court, presided over by Judge Sardor Sodiqov. During the session held on September 6, media representatives were barred from capturing photos, videos, or recording audio of the proceedings.

The session, scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM, started with the judge entering the courtroom around 3:30 PM. What followed was a nearly 30-minute debate over whether journalists should be allowed to cover the trial or not. Journalists from Kun.uz, Gazeta.uz, Qalampir.uz, Kursiv.uz, and the Zamon news program from Sevimli TV were present.

First, six attorneys (four men and two women) spoke one by one. They requested that the media representatives only listen to the trial without capturing videos or photos or even recording audio, appealing to the judge for a prohibition. Some lawyers reminded the journalists of the legal codes and regulations on media and judicial activities, accusing them of "legal ignorance," being prone to "exaggeration," and "spreading false information." Additionally, it was noted that some of the defendants include well-known businessmen, farmers, and cluster leaders in Uzbekistan, whose identities and opinions should not be publicly disclosed.

According to our reporter, while some lawyers were speaking, Judge Sardor Sodiqov was seen playing on his phone. When the reporter attempted to photograph this, National Guard officers intervened, stating that photos in the courtroom were not permitted without the judge's approval.

Moreover, two defendants also took the microphone and stated that the media's ability to take photos, videos, or audio recordings should be restricted, a sentiment supported by most of the defendants. However, former Minister of Agriculture Aziz Voitov did not express any opinion on this matter. The state prosecutor also supported the lawyers' position, opposing media coverage through photos, videos, or audio recordings.

The Anti-Corruption Agency commented on the situation.

"According to the Presidential Decree No. 6247 of June 16, 2021, it is stipulated that court hearings involving violations related to the professional activities of public officials must be broadcast live on television or the internet," the agency reminded.

Based on this, the agency stated that "it would be appropriate for this court session to be held openly in accordance with the requirements of the above decree."

It should be noted that during the court session on September 5, lawyers raised concerns that journalists might be "foreign agents" and objected to their involvement in the trial.