Ambulance driver accused of spreading false information

A court found an ambulance driver guilty of spreading false information, but he was not prosecuted and received a warning. The ambulance drivers had earlier sent out a video message stating that the fines they received were deducted from their salaries. The Interior Ministry, however, said that the fines would be cancelled.

Reports circulated in Tashkent that fines for ambulances were being set and not abolished, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan stated that this type of fine would be abolished.

On 11 January, a trial was held in the case of the video message, which provoked widespread discussion on social media.

It appeared that M. Samikov had posted false information on social networks that fines set by decrees sent from the city's State Inspectorate of Road Traffic Police for offenses committed by ambulances would be deducted from the drivers' salaries.

It is reported that M. Samikov was found guilty of spreading false information threatening public order and causing widespread public discussion and objection.

By decision of the court of 11 January, in connection with absence of signs of an offence under Article 183 in Samikov's actions, this part of the case was stopped under paragraph 1 of Article 271 (circumstances that exclude proceedings on administrative offences) of the Code.

M. Samikov was released and warned of administrative liability under Article 21 (Exemption from administrative liability due to the minority significance of the offence).