Experts Give Testimonies at the Trial of Hilal Mammadov

 The regular closed trial in the case of "Tolyshi Sado" newspaper editor, Hilal Mammadov, took place today at the Baku Serious Crimes Court, chaired by Azer Orujov.

According to lawyer, Yalcin Imanov, linguistic, forensic and technical experts, Almaz  Bayramova and Mamed Ramazanov, gave testimonies.

Previously, expert Bayramova issued a conclusion to two articles by H.Mammadov, addressed to the Talysh people, that made statements against state authorities and inciting ethnic hatred.

However, at the trial, the judge failed to give a clear definition on who "public authorities" were and specifically, on whom Mammadov incited hatred against, the lawyer said.

Another expert was questioned, due to flash-card intervention with the changes in the Mammadov appeal. However, M.Ramazanov gave contradictory testimony. First he claimed that it is impossible to make supplements in the flash-card, but then said that it is possible.

The next hearing will take place on April 24.

Hilal Mammadov, arrested on June 21, 2012,  is accused under three Articles: treason, illegal possession of drugs, and inciting ethnic hatred. However, the international community and local human rights activists consider him a prisoner of conscience. Using far-fetched accusations of treason, the authorities hold a closed trial.—05СB06—