Three citizens of Uzbekistan sentenced to death for drug trafficking in Malaysia have had their sentences commuted to 30 years in prison. This was announced by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Omonulla Fayziev.
According to reports, the incident occurred in September 2010. Citizens of Uzbekistan N.S., N.D., and J.J. were apprehended by Malaysian law enforcement authorities at Kuala Lumpur International Airport while attempting to transport over 12 kilograms of narcotic substances. Subsequently, the court sentenced them to death.
According to the MFA, in order to protect the rights and legitimate interests of the citizens, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Malaysia submitted official requests for their pardon several times in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2020, addressed to the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Attorney General's Chambers, the Federal Court, and the King of the country.
It is noted that a moratorium on the application of the death penalty was introduced in Malaysia in 2018. Furthermore, based on a law that came into force on March 18, 2024, the Federal Court of Malaysia commuted the death sentences handed down to these three Uzbekistan citizens to a sentence of 30 years' imprisonment.
In accordance with Malaysian legislation, taking into account the procedure for serving sentences and established privileges for good conduct, the sentence for these citizens is expected to conclude in 2030.
They are currently serving their sentences at Kajang Prison in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. Regular consular meetings are held with them by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Malaysia, providing necessary legal and consular assistance.
