International lawyers advocate for fair trial, seek leniency for three citizens of Uzbekistan facing death penalty in UAE

An international legal group based in Istanbul, Türkiye, the Worldwide Lawyers Association (WOLAS), issued a statement regarding the international protection of three Uzbekistan citizens sentenced to death in the UAE. WOLAS lawyers expressed doubts about the transparency of the judicial and investigative processes, the independence of the judiciary, and the observance of the rights of Uzbekistan’s citizens.

The lawyers have requested that the UAE Supreme Court’s Criminal Division annul the death sentences and reconsider the case based on legal, rather than political, standards.

Specifically, attention was drawn to the possibility that “the case was heard in a special court, lacking transparency and adequate legal assistance, with confessions potentially obtained through torture, severe penalties imposed as a symbolic gesture in the fight against terrorism, political pressures, and the context of warming UAE-Israel relations.” Additionally, the WOLAS statement addressed violations of international human rights norms, particularly the right to life, protection from torture, and principles of fair trial.

According to UAE legislation, death penalty sentences are automatically subject to appeal and are referred to the Criminal Division of the Federal Supreme Court for review and decision. Furthermore, in the emirate, the execution of any death penalty requires the signature of the UAE President after judicial review.

WOLAS called on the Uzbekistan government to take a more proactive role in protecting its citizens and urged UN bodies to investigate the situation. The lawyers formally sent their appeal to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE’s Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial or Arbitrary Executions, and the Special Rapporteur on Torture.

In particular, the following recommendations were made to Uzbekistan:

• Fulfill diplomatic obligations to protect its citizens in accordance with international and constitutional responsibilities;
• Strengthen consular involvement by establishing active communication with UAE authorities and ensuring consular assistance;
• Protect citizens from the death penalty by employing all legal means to mitigate their sentences;
• Take serious measures, as inaction could endanger the lives of Uzbekistan citizens in other countries.

The following recommendations were made to the UAE government:

• Immediately annul the death sentences imposed on the three Uzbekistan citizens;
• Conduct judicial proceedings based on legal, rather than political, criteria, free from political pressure, foreign relations, or symbolic gestures;
• Ensure judicial independence, with the Federal Supreme Court’s review conducted solely on legal grounds;
• Guarantee full fair trial protections, including access to qualified legal assistance, independent medical examinations, and opportunities to meet with family;
• Prohibit the use of torture, ensuring no coerced confessions are obtained during investigations or trials.

The following calls were made to the UN and human rights bodies:

• Urgently investigate the situation by examining and assessing the case;
• Apply pressure through meetings and appeals, with UN Special Rapporteurs sending formal requests to the UAE;
• Demand a stay of execution until the Federal Supreme Court completes its review;
• Include this case in annual thematic or country-specific reports to ensure international oversight.

The WOLAS statement did not indicate that the group is officially representing the three individuals as their legal counsel. Instead, as an international association of lawyers, they expressed their concerns and position. They advocate for the annulment of the sentences, a fair trial, torture-free investigations, and international oversight, actively demanding action to achieve these goals.

According to Ahror Burkhanov, the press secretary of Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomatic efforts are being made to mitigate the sentences of the citizens facing the death penalty in the UAE, as reported to Kun.uz.

“This matter remains under constant attention from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our embassy in the UAE. Necessary diplomatic and consular measures are being taken to provide legal assistance, mitigate the sentences, and protect the interests of our compatriots. Additionally, relevant legal consultations are being provided, and communication with local authorities is ongoing,” the Ministry stated in a comment provided to Kun.uz.

The Ministry also emphasized that protecting the rights and legal interests of Uzbekistan citizens remains a top priority.

The case of the Israeli rabbi’s death

On November 21, 2024, the body of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a citizen of Israel and Moldova and a UAE resident, was found in Al-Ain, UAE, with signs of murder. The UAE Ministry of Interior detained three Uzbekistan citizens suspected of the crime. According to Israeli media, “Mossad” believes the suspects are linked to a group associated with Iran.

On March 30, 2025, the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal’s State Security Chamber found the Uzbekistan citizens guilty of “intentionally killing Zvi Kogan with terrorist intent” and sentenced them to death.

A fourth defendant, who assisted the accused, was sentenced to life imprisonment, with their body to be deported from the UAE after death. The nationality of this individual has not been disclosed.

The UAE Ministry of Interior released the names of the Uzbekistan citizens: Olimboy Tokhirovich (29 years old), Mahmudjon Abdurahim (29 years old), and Azizbek Komilovich (34 years old).

Following this incident, Uzbekistan citizens have faced numerous issues regarding entry, employment, and visa acquisition in the UAE. Notably, on November 25 of the previous year, a group of Uzbekistan citizens working in Dubai was detained by police. Later, some were released, others were deported, and criminal cases were opened against five individuals.

On November 26, 2024, Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov met with the Israeli ambassador, stating that the Uzbekistan government is closely cooperating with UAE and Israeli authorities in the investigation process.