The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal sentenced three Uzbek citizens to death for the murder of Tsvi Kogan, an Israeli-Moldovan citizen and UAE resident. The court found them guilty of "premeditated murder with terrorist intent." The ruling was issued unanimously by the State Security Chamber of the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal on March 30.

The UAE Ministry of Interior had previously disclosed the names of the convicted individuals: Olimboy Tokhirovich, 29 years old; Mahmudjon Abdurahim, 29 years old; and Azizbek Komilovich, 34 years old.

A fourth defendant, who assisted in the crime, was sentenced to life imprisonment. After serving the sentence, the individual (or their remains) will be deported from the UAE. The nationality of this person has not been disclosed.

According to WAM News Agency, UAE Attorney General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi stated that four suspects were arrested in January 2025, and evidence was presented to the court. The State Security Prosecution submitted several pieces of evidence, including:

  • Detailed confessions of the defendants regarding murder and kidnapping,
  • Forensic medical examination reports,
  • Post-mortem analysis results,
  • Details of the weapons used in the crime,
  • Testimonies from witnesses.

Under UAE law, death penalty rulings are automatically appealed and sent to the Criminal Panel of the Federal Supreme Court for review and final decision.

Uzbekistan’s MFA confirms sentencing

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to Kun.uz that three Uzbek citizens were sentenced to death in the UAE.

"This is not a final ruling. Death penalty sentences in the UAE are automatically appealed and referred to the Criminal Panel of the Federal Supreme Court," said MFA spokesperson Akhror Burkhanov in a statement to Kun.uz. However, the MFA did not disclose Uzbekistan’s official stance regarding the sentencing of its citizens.

Earlier, Israeli media, citing government sources, reported on the ruling. Additionally, an audio recording of a conversation between one of the accused and his mother surfaced on social media. In the recording, the defendant reportedly states that he and his associates had been sentenced to death and requested a lawyer if possible.

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