Archive · 19 Aug 2025
Uzbek Cleric on Trial for Extremism and Inciting Hatred
A prominent Muslim cleric in Uzbekistan, Alisher Tursunov, is currently on trial.
He's accused of promoting religious hatred and spreading extremist ideas, which includes some of his posts on social media.
The charges stem from his former religious media project and his support for a fatwa about fighting against Israel.
The government accuses him of going against the country's diplomatic relations with Israel.
If found guilty, he could be sent to prison for several years.
Uzbek cleric Alisher Tursunov, known as Mubashshir Ahmad, is on trial in Tashkent.
He faces charges including inciting religious hatred and distributing extremist materials.
The charges are related to his work on Azon.uz and social media posts.
Tursunov advocated for a fatwa calling for jihad against Israel over the situation in Gaza.
If convicted, he faces a potential prison sentence of five to eight years.
- Who
- Alisher Tursunov, a Muslim cleric also known as Mubashshir Ahmad.
- What
- Alisher Tursunov is on trial for promoting religious extremism and hatred.
- When
- The trial began recently.
- Where
- Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
- Why
- He is accused of inciting religious hatred and distributing extremist materials.
Accusation
Defense
Freedom of Speech vs. Hate Speech
Accusation
The cleric promoted religious hatred and extremist views against Israel.
Defense
The cleric was exercising his right to free speech.
- Defendant
- Alisher Tursunov (Mubashshir Ahmad)
- Charges
- Inciting religious hatred, extremism, distribution of illegal materials
- Potential Sentence
- Five to eight years in prison
- Previous Project
- Azon.uz (religious media project)
- Controversy
- Advocated for jihad against Israel.
- Country
- Uzbekistan