Alisher Usmanov Wins Landmark Defamation Case Against FAZ in Germany
On January 23, 2026, a groundbreaking court decision emerged from Hamburg, Germany. The regional court ruled in favor of businessman Alisher Usmanov in a defamation case against the prominent German newspaper, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). This ruling, hailed as a milestone in European judicial history, barred the publication from disseminating harmful and defamatory statements regarding Osmanov. The case arose after FAZ published an article titled 'On Kremlin Orders' in April 2023, which contained numerous allegations unfavorably portraying Usmanov. Following FAZ's refusal to acknowledge the inaccuracies in their reporting, Usmanov initiated legal proceedings.
The court's findings acknowledged that the claims presented by the FAZ, which suggested Usmanov acted in the interest of the Kremlin and influenced media policies in Uzbekistan, were unfounded and damaging to his reputation. Notably, this ruling marks the first instance of a European jurisdiction prohibiting the propagation of statements formerly made by Alexei Navalny, statements that a Russian court has already determined to be false.
Previously, claims that Usmanov attempted to leverage his financial resources for Kremlin interests and manipulated the editorial direction of the Russian newspaper Kommersant were utilized to justify sanctions against him in Europe. These allegations were vehemently denied by Usmanov and his representatives.
Now, with this pivotal ruling, the Hamburg court deemed the FAZ's assertions a violation of Usmanov's personal rights and imposed a strict prohibition on future defamatory statements. In the event of violation, the newspaper could face fines amounting to 250,000 euros per instance, alongside potential imprisonment for repeat offenses.
This court ruling is part of a broader trend where Usmanov has successfully contested numerous claims against him, undermining arguments which have historically supported sanctions placed upon him. In January 2024, a previous ruling found against the American magazine Forbes for its role in providing evidence for sanctions against Usmanov, exposing flaws in the media's assertions.
Moreover, additional similar rulings have occurred, with the regional court in Hamburg dismissing allegations from Swiss news outlet Watson regarding Usmanov's supposed ownership of a lakefront property in Germany and the yacht 'Dilbar'. This followed precedents set against other media outlets that included Tagesspiegel, Blick, and others for communicating incorrect information.
In December 2025, German authorities concluded an investigation into Usmanov regarding alleged breaches of economic activity laws without filing any charges, further emphasizing the lack of evidence against him. This exemplifies a significant victory for Usmanov, especially considering prior investigative efforts focused on potential money laundering claims, which were also dismissed due to insufficient grounds.
Joachim Steinhöfel, Usmanov’s attorney specializing in media law, emphasized that the court's decision confirmed what Usmanov has maintained: that the FAZ's article was composed of erroneous facts and recycled narratives from Navalny lacking legitimacy. The ruling demonstrated the inadequacy of the evidence presented by FAZ and, according to Steinhöfel, reflects the political motivations behind the investigations conducted against Usmanov.
Interestingly, between 2023 and 2026, Usmanov and his legal representatives have successfully garnered 18 judicial injunctions and over 100 cease-and-desist declarations from various global media outlets. This has resulted in the retraction of hundreds of inaccurate articles and significant revisions of false narratives linked to his name. Prior judgments illustrate a pattern of success for Usmanov against several high-profile media establishments, including notable retractions of compromised articles by leading German and international press.
Overall, this legal victory is pivotal not just for Usmanov but also sets a crucial standard regarding truth and accountability in journalism within European jurisdictions. It demonstrates that unfounded allegations, especially when leveraged for political purposes, can be legally challenged, thereby protecting personal rights against defamation.
The court's findings acknowledged that the claims presented by the FAZ, which suggested Usmanov acted in the interest of the Kremlin and influenced media policies in Uzbekistan, were unfounded and damaging to his reputation. Notably, this ruling marks the first instance of a European jurisdiction prohibiting the propagation of statements formerly made by Alexei Navalny, statements that a Russian court has already determined to be false.
Previously, claims that Usmanov attempted to leverage his financial resources for Kremlin interests and manipulated the editorial direction of the Russian newspaper Kommersant were utilized to justify sanctions against him in Europe. These allegations were vehemently denied by Usmanov and his representatives.
Now, with this pivotal ruling, the Hamburg court deemed the FAZ's assertions a violation of Usmanov's personal rights and imposed a strict prohibition on future defamatory statements. In the event of violation, the newspaper could face fines amounting to 250,000 euros per instance, alongside potential imprisonment for repeat offenses.
This court ruling is part of a broader trend where Usmanov has successfully contested numerous claims against him, undermining arguments which have historically supported sanctions placed upon him. In January 2024, a previous ruling found against the American magazine Forbes for its role in providing evidence for sanctions against Usmanov, exposing flaws in the media's assertions.
Moreover, additional similar rulings have occurred, with the regional court in Hamburg dismissing allegations from Swiss news outlet Watson regarding Usmanov's supposed ownership of a lakefront property in Germany and the yacht 'Dilbar'. This followed precedents set against other media outlets that included Tagesspiegel, Blick, and others for communicating incorrect information.
In December 2025, German authorities concluded an investigation into Usmanov regarding alleged breaches of economic activity laws without filing any charges, further emphasizing the lack of evidence against him. This exemplifies a significant victory for Usmanov, especially considering prior investigative efforts focused on potential money laundering claims, which were also dismissed due to insufficient grounds.
Joachim Steinhöfel, Usmanov’s attorney specializing in media law, emphasized that the court's decision confirmed what Usmanov has maintained: that the FAZ's article was composed of erroneous facts and recycled narratives from Navalny lacking legitimacy. The ruling demonstrated the inadequacy of the evidence presented by FAZ and, according to Steinhöfel, reflects the political motivations behind the investigations conducted against Usmanov.
Interestingly, between 2023 and 2026, Usmanov and his legal representatives have successfully garnered 18 judicial injunctions and over 100 cease-and-desist declarations from various global media outlets. This has resulted in the retraction of hundreds of inaccurate articles and significant revisions of false narratives linked to his name. Prior judgments illustrate a pattern of success for Usmanov against several high-profile media establishments, including notable retractions of compromised articles by leading German and international press.
Overall, this legal victory is pivotal not just for Usmanov but also sets a crucial standard regarding truth and accountability in journalism within European jurisdictions. It demonstrates that unfounded allegations, especially when leveraged for political purposes, can be legally challenged, thereby protecting personal rights against defamation.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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