Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A preliminary investigation is under way in Tashkent into blogger Umr.Sham, who posted a video depicting scenes of violence that sparked public outrage over apparent references to the killing of singer Mubinlolo (Mubina Abboskhonova).
The blogger’s identity was established by officers of the Almazar District Department of Internal Affairs, the Tashkent Main Department of Internal Affairs reported.
The investigation was prompted by a video in which the blogger expresses disapproval of the singer’s work and then shows scenes that could be interpreted as threats of violence against her and other people who do not share his views.
The video also includes a request to bring additional black bags, which critics of the publication said reinforced the implication of concealing bodies.
Following the video’s circulation and criticism from social media users, the blogger posted an apology.
He said that law enforcement officers had explained the possible legal measures that could be taken in connection with the content he had published, and expressed regret over his actions.
The Tashkent police department said the situation was under its supervision. A relevant procedural decision will be made once the preliminary investigation is completed. No information about the blogger’s detention was provided.
Earlier, the anti-violence project Nemolchi.Uz called on law enforcement agencies to provide a legal assessment of the video.
The organisation said such content normalises violence and vigilantism by portraying physical retaliation as a means of punishing people for their views and creative work.
The project also drew attention to the flags of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Internal Affairs appearing at the end of the video.
The information provided did not specify which article of the law the investigation was being conducted under.
