Court reduces sentence for Gayrat Dustov, orders immediate release

Dustov, who protested against the closure of a methane gas station, was initially sentenced to administrative detention for 15 days on charges of petty hooliganism. His frustration arose on December 23 when the gas station, located at 2 Oltintopgan Street in the Bektemir district of Tashkent, unexpectedly closed as he awaited his turn to refuel. Comments made by Dustov during the incident went viral on the internet, leading to his arrest on December 25 and sentencing by the Bektemir District Court on December 26.

During the appeal hearing presided over by Judge Farrukh Makhmudov, Dustov’s legal team successfully argued for a reconsideration of the initial verdict. Initially conducted in Dustov’s absence, the session later included him after a request by his lawyers. The proceedings faced a brief interruption as Dustov fell ill but resumed after his condition stabilized.

Dustov revealed during the hearing that he had been held for only one night in the "Panelny" detention facility and was later transferred to the Tashkent City Police Department.

The case has drawn significant public attention, reflecting ongoing tensions surrounding access to methane refueling stations in the city.