Trial in the cvase of the former MP Guler Ahmedova continued today at Baku Serious Crimes Court chaired by Alisultan Osmanov.
The reason for her arrest became video published by the former rector of the International University, Elshad Abdullayev, shot by a hidden camera; Ahmedova and her partner, now deceased Sevinc Babayeva, extort $ 1 million from Abdullaev, in order "to elect him as a deputy."
Prosecutor Eldar Gamzayev read the indictment under which Ahmedova was charged under Articles of the Criminal Code 178.3.2 ( fraud embezzlement on a large scale , abusing the trust ) and 307.1 ( failure to report a serious or especially serious crime.)
The judge asked Ahmedova is she recognized herself guilty. She replied that she is absolutely innocent; then she gave a testimony, and said that he was arrested on the basis of "fantastic" articles by journalistic.
"I am here only because of journalistic materials," said Ahmedovs. She demanded that journalists will either write what she says at the trial, or hearing should be held without journalists. However, the judge did not consider her claim.
Then Ahmedova complained that her "democratic step", voluntary surrender of her mandate, was not appreciated .
"It was a triumph of democracy, but the media have presented it as if I did so because I admitted my fault," said Ahmedova. She further noted that he did not extort money from the Rector of the International University, Elshad Abdullayev , "but merely demanded from him to return the money of students." "I have not taken any money, never bargained for the parliamentary seat. This video is false," said Ahmedova.
She also stated that this is contrary to constitution to use of video as evidence , since the survey was conducted covertly. She also denied her friendship with the late Sevinc Babayeva, and claimed that the latter was a close friend of Elshad Abdullayev.
Then, the trial stopped because of poor health of the defendant, and will continue on October 31; the trial is held in the small hall, and not all willing can attend it. -16D-
Politics
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