Sobirjon Babaniyazov
Sobirjon Babaniyazov is a blogger and social media user, described as a father of three. He was held in pre-trial detention starting in April 2021 and was subsequently convicted for Telegram video and audio messages. He was sentenced by the Hazarasp District Criminal Court in the Khorezm region on 3 February 2022. The prosecution focused on messages posted to Telegram regarding gas shortages and unemployment. Although he apologized in court, citing intoxication and despair, he received a 3-year sentence. He has since been released.