Mubashshir Ahmad

I attended the trial of Mubashshir Domla on September 8. Before I comment on the court, let me tell you an anecdote.

The Americans are arguing with the Soviets:

"We have a democracy," the Americans said. "Anyone can come to the White House and curse President Jimmy Carter."

"We have democracy too," the Soviets said. "Anyone can stand in Kremlin Square and curse Carter as much as they want."

This was an old anecdote from the Brezhnev era. In the new Uzbekistan, it is completely different.

New Uzbekistan is also a democratic country. Although not as democratic as the US, many of its laws are being adopted based on democratic principles. But, interestingly, you can curse Trump as much as you want in front of the White House, but not on our Independence Square. Anyone who curses him is very likely to be prosecuted. Because "national, racial" and other enmities can arise between Americans and Uzbeks... So, do we not have democracy like the Soviets did?

After yesterday's trial of Mubashshir, many thoughts ran through my head. Some good, some worrying, and some unspeakable.

Domla is accused of insulting Israel, under Article 156 of the Criminal Code, which criminalizes "inciting national, racial, ethnic, or religious hatred." One of the charges is that he said "cursed Israel."

What's wrong, the whole world is cursing the Israeli government - Zionists today. There are even Jews among those cursing. They are cursing Israel itself. Their rabbis have issued fatwas calling the Israeli government a "devil's government"... When the peoples of the world are cursing Israel, should Uzbeks applaud those who are slaughtering babies and women? We are not so unscrupulous. Even if we do not add the issue of religion and faith, this does not fit into any mold of humanity!

Besides, who is inciting "national, racial, ethnic, or religious hatred" today? Israel itself has already filled everyone with hatred! If it is necessary to take Israel to court, it should be taken to court, not those who speak out against it.

Another absurd charge against Mubashshir Ahmad is “illegal import and distribution of religious materials into the territory of Uzbekistan.” Domla did not bring any material into our country, everything was transmitted in virtual form on the global Internet. We live in the age of the Internet, the whole world is boiling in one pot, the Earth has become a global arena, so territorial integrity has completely lost its meaning on the Internet. Material distributed around the world, of course, will reach Uzbekistan. If we say that it should not enter, we should disconnect the Internet. Is it possible?

Moreover, none of the religious materials said anything that would tarnish the honor of our state, our president, or our people. If it was said, it was said for the development of this country and the spiritual upliftment of its people. It is not fair to bring dangers where they do not exist with the possibility that "if such people are not prevented, others may also do such and such things." There is a possibility in everything. If a match is found in a pocket, it is not said that this person is trying to start a fire, but rather that he is trying to light a fire in the hearth.

The accusations against Mubashshir Domla are also based on suspicions and possibilities. However, suspicion cannot be used to accuse someone of committing a crime. This is stated in the Constitution of Uzbekistan. In addition, our Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “It is better for a judge to forgive a wrongdoing than for a judge to judge a wrongdoing” (narrated by Imam Tirmidhi).

I ask Allah to be steadfast towards all of us, Mubashshir, and especially the esteemed judge.