What is the ruling on the one who says that Uthman is not better than Ali, and then mentions some of the doubts and events that preceded Uthman’s pledge of allegiance?

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success. Unfortunately, it has been found among those who claim to be from the people of the Sunnah in the matter of preferring the Companions. It has been found, unfortunately, among those who claim to be from the people of the Sunnah in the matter of preferring the Companions, that he says: The best of the Companions is Abu Bakr, then Umar, but as for Uthman, he is not better than Ali. Then he mentions some of the doubts and events that preceded Uthman’s pledge of allegiance. How do we respond to him?

Answer:
Raising these matters. It is not permissible to raise these matters. The one who raises them appears to be malicious. He wants to reach something. He wants to spread it among the people. So beware of him. We withhold criticism from the Companions and we do not speak about them except with good. This is our obligation. Yes.