Court leaves Nargiz Absalamova in custody

Baku/26.12.23/Turan: On December 26, the Khatai district court considered a petition for the transfer of Nargiz Absalamova, a journalist from the online publication "Abzas Media", under house arrest.

This was reported to Turan by her lawyer Shahla Gumbatova.

According to her, there are no grounds for Absalamova's detention.However, the court dismissed the petition. Absalamova herself took part in the trial, the lawyer said.

"Nargiz Absalamova spoke in court. She said that the accusation brought against her is absolutely unjustified and she is being persecuted because of her professional journalistic activities. She does not consider herself guilty," the lawyer said.

In turn, Gumbatova also reported on the problem that the journalist faced in the pre-trial detention center. The fact is that Absalamova was injured two years ago at a journalistic rally and underwent spinal surgery in this regard. The girl needs an orthopedic mattress.However, the administration of the pre-trial detention center does not allow her to use the mattress.

Because of this, Absalamova is experiencing back pain, the lawyer continued.Another problem is related to the water supply to the pre-trial detention center."Water is served by the hour. And hot water comes in at all twice a week and this is not enough to maintain hygiene," the lawyer noted.

Besides, Absalamova, as well as other defendants in this case, are not allowed to see and talk on the phone with their loved ones and the complaint about this will be considered in the coming days."She is also not allowed to call a lawyer. In this regard, I will also file a complaint," the lawyer noted.

* Director of "Abzas Media" Ulvi Hasanli, his deputy Mohammad Kekalov, editor-in-chief of the publication Sevinj Vagifgizy and reporter Nargiz Absalamova, as well as investigative journalist Hafiz Babaly were arrested on charges of smuggling.

They deny the charges as stating that the arrests are related to the publication's investigations into corruption. Human rights activists recognized them as political prisoners. International organizations have called for the release of the publication's staff. –16B06-