TASHKENT -- The trial of five Uzbek journalists has concluded in Tashkent, RFE/RL's Uzbek Service reports.
Journalists Bahrom Ibrohimov, Davron Kobilov, Ravshanbek Vafoev, Abdulaziz Dadakhonov, and Botirbek Eshquziev are charged with the alleged creation of an underground organization financed by an Islamic sect in Turkey.
Sadulla Vafoev, the brother of one of the defendants, told RFE/RL that the accused journalists gave their final statements today.
He said the defendants said they were only trying to help young Uzbeks get a good education in Uzbekistan.
The Turkish "Nurchilar" organization, which had a network of schools in Central Asia, was banned by Uzbekistan in the late 1990s.
The verdict in the trial is expected on February 24.
Journalists Bahrom Ibrohimov, Davron Kobilov, Ravshanbek Vafoev, Abdulaziz Dadakhonov, and Botirbek Eshquziev are charged with the alleged creation of an underground organization financed by an Islamic sect in Turkey.
Sadulla Vafoev, the brother of one of the defendants, told RFE/RL that the accused journalists gave their final statements today.
He said the defendants said they were only trying to help young Uzbeks get a good education in Uzbekistan.
The Turkish "Nurchilar" organization, which had a network of schools in Central Asia, was banned by Uzbekistan in the late 1990s.
The verdict in the trial is expected on February 24.