Guler Akhmedov blames the media for her arrest

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-