"Officials are merely offering apologies..." - The arrest of Gayrat Dustov has sparked outrage.

According to court materials reviewed by Kun.uz, Gayrat Dustov was outraged when the methane refueling station closed just as it was his turn. He showcased his worn-out shoes and expressed his dissatisfaction towards the AGNKS staff and those responsible for the energy sector. At the moment the station closed, he insulted the station employees and shouted loudly in anger. A video of his protest spread across social media.

As per the court document made public on December 31, the Bektemir district court's decision on December 26 found Dustov guilty of "petty hooliganism" and sentenced him to 15 days of detention. This news at the year's end sparked discontent among the general public and activists, who view it not as a solution to the problem but as a means to "eliminate" an individual who raised the issue, reflecting an injustice.

Economist and blogger Otabek Bakirov noted that he believes in the slogan "Acting together for human dignity and happiness" and that it would be right to release Dustov under public guarantees.

"It would be just to provide guarantees and release Gayrat Dustov. We have deputies from district and city councils. There is a mahalla. His children and family are probably waiting for him at home.

The state has a proportion of power, but it also has a proportion of mercy. A strong state does not hesitate to show mercy."

Additionally, Otabek Bakirov pointed out that in the face of cold weather and queues at gas stations, any other Uzbek citizen could find themselves in Dustov's position. He urged those responsible for the energy sector to provide sufficiently detailed and timely information in case of gas shortages.

Lawyer and blogger Khushnudbek Khudoyberdiev, in turn, called the arrest of an ordinary citizen with worn-out shoes unjust, while talkative officials merely get away with an apology.

"If the people feel justice, they can patiently endure many problems. Of course, many express their dissatisfaction and openly voice their difficulties — this is natural, as the people are not a single entity, but 37 million different individuals. However, even while expressing dissatisfaction, they continue to endure, gritting their teeth, battling life's hardships and not crossing moral boundaries. By voicing their pain, they can somewhat alleviate their state, as it is not a crime.

But if the people do not feel justice, if they see injustice at every turn, that is bad. In such conditions, frayed nerves can cross moral boundaries, and the consequences will be unpredictable.

If the khokims, whose words do not match their actions, get away with just an apology, if some officials who exceed their authority and violate laws are only warned, while an ordinary citizen with worn-out shoes, who expressed outrage at the gas station's closure after waiting in line, is arrested and meets the New Year not with family but behind bars, the people see this as injustice. And it truly is unjust.

We started the year with a significant mistake. Unfortunately, this is extremely regrettable. I do not know who initiated this measure, which brought no benefit but inflicted immense damage to the trust of the people in the state. However, I know for certain that a colossal amount of work will be needed to compensate for the consequences of this mistake," — emphasized the lawyer.

Former deputy and advisor to the Ministry of Ecology Rasul Kusherbaev described this case as a sign of intolerance to criticism.

"This was done in vain. It is a clear indication that any dissent and criticism are met with intolerance. As the poet said: 'Cowardly beks, do not boast, but be magnanimous!' But our 'beks' did not show magnanimity," — noted Kusherbaev.

Journalist Mukhrim Azamkhodjaev reminded that the detention of this citizen for 15 days will not solve Uzbekistan's energy problems.

"This person was imprisoned for 15 days, and now lawyers are voluntarily trying to help him. If his arrest helped Uzbekistan become a gas exporter instead of an importer, if it resolved the country's energy issues... But will problems disappear if they are silenced?

Today's Uzbekistan, which is somewhat better than before, has become so precisely because problems were voiced and then solutions were sought. Isn't that right? Did this unfortunate individual not express what he heard all year from the people?" — declared Azamkhodjaev.

According to human rights activist Abdurakhmon Tashanov, as of January 1, Gayrat Dustov was transferred from the administrative isolation facility "Panel" to the Main Internal Affairs Directorate of Tashkent city.

"Gayrat Dustov, arrested for 15 days by the Bektemir court, was taken to the Main Internal Affairs Directorate of Tashkent city for questioning on December 27. Today, along with my lawyer, I visited the temporary detention facility 'Panel.' The duty officer reported that Dustov is currently at the Main Internal Affairs Directorate of Tashkent city.

At present, since it is a day off at the Main Internal Affairs Directorate, we were not allowed to meet with him.

The reason for which a person serving a sentence by court decision was taken for questioning and continues to be held there has not been explained. As of now, three voluntary lawyers have received orders to defend him, and the number of volunteers is growing," — reported the human rights activist.

Kun.uz reached out to the Main Internal Affairs Directorate of Tashkent for an official comment regarding the situation, but no response was obtained.