TikToker who insulted the President of Uzbekistan while abroad detained

According to case materials, in February 2023 Yusupov went live on TikTok from Kazakhstan and made offensive remarks about Uzbekistan’s leadership. The video circulated widely on social media and prompted public backlash.

Following the incident, Yusupov remained outside Uzbekistan, spending time in Turkey and Azerbaijan. In April this year, he was detained in Azerbaijan as a result of coordinated operational measures by law enforcement agencies.

During court proceedings, Yusupov admitted his guilt and issued a public apology, expressing remorse for his actions. The court found him guilty under Part 3 of Article 158 of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, which covers encroachment on the President of Uzbekistan, and imposed a four-year prison sentence.

Authorities also noted that Yusupov had previously been held accountable for other offenses, though lighter measures had been applied in those cases.