Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A court in the United Arab Emirates has sentenced three Uzbek nationals to death for the murder of Rabbi Tzvi Kogan. Another suspect, who was allegedly involved in orchestrating the crime, received a life sentence.

Rabbi Tzvi Kogan, an Israeli and Moldovan citizen, represented the Chabad movement in Abu Dhabi. He moved to the UAE after the normalization of relations between Israel and the Emirates in 2020.

On 21 November 2024, Kogan went missing, and two days later, authorities launched a search. His body was later discovered showing signs of violent death.

The victim’s car was found 150 kilometers from Abu Dhabi with evidence of a struggle.

A few days later, law enforcement officials announced the arrest of three Uzbek nationals. The investigation revealed that the suspects had monitored the victim’s movements in advance and planned the murder.

The trial took place in the State Security Chamber of the Abu Dhabi Federal Appeal Court, which handed down the verdict.

Capital punishment is a legal penalty in the UAE, where the justice system incorporates elements of Islamic Sharia law and civil legislation. Crimes such as murder, terrorism, treason, espionage, and drug trafficking can result in the death penalty.

Death sentences in the UAE undergo mandatory review and must be approved by the ruler of the respective emirate. While capital punishment is officially imposed, executions are relatively rare, with most sentences being commuted to life imprisonment. When carried out, executions are typically performed by firing squad.