Two-day trial of Ulugbek Haidarov, human rights activist and journalist from Jizak, ended on October 5.

The Jizak Municipal Court convicted Haidarov guilty of fraud under Article 165 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan and sentenced him to six years imprisonment.

Quite unexpectedly, all witnesses called by the prosecution renounced their testimony. That includes the prime witness Rahima Abdullayeva who the investigation said had given Haidarov the $400 for which he was arrested. Facing the chair, Abdullayeva said Haidarov was innocent and interceded on his behalf. The prosecutor nevertheless demanded eight years imprisonment for Haidarov.

Representatives of the local human rights community and international organizations were not permitted attendance. Explaining his decision, the judge referred to "Haidarov's unwillingness to see his colleagues and representatives of international organizations in the courtroom."

The Haidarovs who were permitted to attend the trial said that the journalist looked gaunt and worn out. During a short meeting with the family he complained of stomach pains and asked for help to avoid imprisonment which he said he wouldn't survive.

Human rights activists say that the defendant's guilt was not proved and that the court merely carried out the order given by the authorities. Haidarov's sister Nortoja believes that witnesses of the prosecution told the truth upon finding themselves unable to live with the burden of having an innocent imprisoned.

Haidarov was picked up from a bus stop on September 14. He was waiting for his bus when a women (Abdullayeva) approached and put a bundle of money in his pocket. The journalist got it out and dropped it but several plainclothesmen advanced and seized Haidarov. He was locked away in the detention cell of the Jizak Police pending trial.