Judge dismissed for stealing a car while drunk

Recently, social networks circulated reports that a judge of the Mirabad District Court of Criminal Cases in Tashkent had stolen a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. It was also noted that a service check had been launched into the judge’s conduct outside of working hours. According to the Supreme Council of Judges, the judge has now been dismissed and his judicial authority terminated ahead of schedule.

The results of the internal investigation were reviewed by the Qualification Board of Judges of Tashkent city courts. Based on the conclusion, Judge Rustam Rakhmonov was dismissed from his post following his written resignation and for violating the requirements of the Code of Judicial Ethics. As a result, his judicial powers were officially revoked before the end of his term.

The statement also mentions that investigations into the conduct of other judges are ongoing. Relevant materials from the service check have been submitted to the qualification board of the respective courts for further consideration.

Rustam Rakhmonov had been reappointed as a judge of the Mirabad District Criminal Court in December 2024 for a new 10-year term.

For reference, Article 267 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan stipulates liability for the unlawful seizure of a vehicle. According to this article:
- A person who hijacks a vehicle may face imprisonment from 5 to 10 years.
- If the crime is committed repeatedly, by a group, or involves the use or threat of force, the punishment ranges from 10 to 15 years.
- If committed by an organized group or an especially dangerous recidivist with intent to rob, the offender may face 15 to 20 years of imprisonment.

It is worth noting that similar incidents have occurred previously. For example, a car belonging to comedian Shukurullo Isroilov was hijacked in the Mirzo Ulugbek district of Tashkent, resulting in a 2-year prison sentence for the perpetrator. In another case, a Tajik national who stole a vehicle while intoxicated in Termez, Surkhandarya region, was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in prison.