Alisher Usmanov Emerges Victorious in Landmark Defamation Case Against German Media

Alisher Usmanov, the influential businessman, has achieved a remarkable victory following a legal battle against the prestigious German newspaper, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). On January 23, 2026, the Hamburg Regional Court ruled in favor of Usmanov, prohibiting the newspaper from disseminating defamatory claims about him. This ruling marks a critical moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding media accountability and false allegations in Europe.

The court's decision stemmed from an article published by FAZ in April 2023 that accused Usmanov of acting on behalf of the Kremlin and making various misleading assertions about his business dealings. According to the court, these claims, which included allegations of Usmanov interfering with the editorial policies of other media outlets and misappropriating state assets, were unfounded and damaging to his reputation.

Among the allegations ruled as defamatory was a statement suggesting that Usmanov utilized his wealth for the Kremlin’s interests, further asserting that he made illicit donations to state-related entities. Notably, these assertions were previously deemed libelous in Russia and had contributed to sanctions and investigations against Usmanov in multiple jurisdictions.

The ruling is particularly significant as it represents a European court's first explicit ban on distributing claims made by Alexey Navalny, the opposition leader devoid of substantial evidence. Usmanov's legal representatives highlighted the court’s dismissal of FAZ's inability to substantiate its claims, showcasing the failure of politically motivated narratives that had been employed against him.

Usmanov's attorney, Joachim Steinhöfel, expressed his satisfaction with the ruling, stating, "This decision underscores that the major allegations in the FAZ article were nothing more than a mix of incorrect facts and discredited narratives. The newspaper's lack of evidence reflects the collapse of investigations driven by political motives against Usmanov."

This legal win for Usmanov adds to a string of court victories, as he has succeeded in challenging the validity of numerous claims that fueled sanctions against him in the past. In previous rulings, Usmanov had also secured victories against other notable media outlets, including Forbes and Tagesspiegel, further enabling him to dismantle inaccurate narratives surrounding his reputation.

With the recent ruling, FAZ faces severe financial implications, with potential fines of up to €250,000 for each violation of the court’s order. Such measures signify a stringent approach taken by the judiciary to deter the proliferation of false information and protect individuals from unwarranted defamation.

Since 2023, Usmanov and his legal team have made significant strides in countering false narratives, resulting in 18 court rulings favoring him and 105 cease-and-desist orders issued against various media entities worldwide. The legal efforts have led to the removal of countless erroneous articles and links, with the commitment to correcting over 2,000 published pieces that contributed to the misleading depiction of Usmanov’s life and career.

Key incidents include the prompt retraction of misleading claims made by dpa, Germany's leading news agency, regarding family ownership of luxury assets, including the Dilbar yacht. These retractions come in the wake of Usmanov's persistent legal initiatives aimed at upholding his integrity and defending his rights within the media landscape.

Moreover, the court's decision aligns with Germany's earlier conclusion in December 2025 to terminate an investigation against Usmanov for alleged violations of foreign trade laws, emphasizing the presumption of his innocence amidst ongoing allegations.

Usmanov's journey highlights the pivotal intersection of media practices and legal protections in contemporary society, underscoring the necessity for responsible journalism. This ruling not only reinforces his individual rights but sets a remarkable precedent for holding media accountable for misinformation, ultimately fostering a more transparent and fair media environment in Europe.

In conclusion, Alisher Usmanov’s recent victory against the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung marks a significant step in reclaiming his narrative and combating defamation. As he continues to navigate the complex landscape of media representation, the ruling serves as a critical reminder of the need for accuracy and fairness in journalism, paving the way for greater accountability in reporting practices.