Lawyers for Hilal Mamedov, editor of "Tolyshi sado", have found themselves in a delicate situation. On the one hand, in protest against a closed trial, Mamedov demanded that they not to participate in the trial. On the other hand, the judge filed a complaint to the Bar Association due to their participation in the last meeting. Speaking at a press conference today, lawyer Anar Gasimli called on journalists and human rights defenders to ask the Bar Board for clarification. Usually in such cases, the basis is the will of the accused. Gasimli called on journalists and human rights activists to ensure Mamedov receives constant public attention.
Lawyer Khalid Bagirov said that if Mamedov’s trial is closed to the public, he intends to publish the case materials. "I have this right, because I did not give the sign not to disclose confidentiality. If the process is closed, I will not go to court hearings, and instead I will hold press conferences," Bagirov said.
He called the conclusions of experts ‘inconsistent’, since they view Mamedov’s 2009 article as inciting ethnic hatred. Lawyer Ramiz Mamedov called the allegations absurd, because they were copied from other criminal cases, and are based on the testimony of a mentally ill person.
Arzu Abdullayeva, Co-Chair of the Committee to protect the rights of human editor, said that if Mamedov’s trial were closed, the public would picket in front of the court. The next hearing on this case will be held on February 6.
Hilal Mamedov was arrested on June 21, 2012 and charged with treason, drug possession, inciting religious and ethnic hatred. If Mamedov is convicted, he may be imprisoned for 15 years. International human rights organizations consider Hilal Mamedov to be a prisoner of conscience.—16C--
-
- Photo sessions
- 31 January 2013 17:20
-
- Social
- 31 January 2013 17:52
Politics
-
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova has decided to unilaterally terminate the Moldovan-Russian agreement from 1998 on the creation and operation of cultural centers.
-
By the order of the head of state, Rufat Mahmud has been appointed the new head of the historical and architectural reserve "Icheri Sheher" – the historic center of Baku.
-
On February 13, the Appeal Court did not satisfy the defense's appeal against the decision of the Khatai Court regarding the arrest of journalist Shahnaz Beylargizi. According to the lawyer, the journalist herself did not participate in the trial due to poor health. The defense intends to submit a petition to replace the arrest with house arrest.
-
Azerbaijan will limit 'Sputnik Azerbaijan' and 'BBC News Azərbaycanca' editorial offices. This was reported by the country's pro-government media on 13 February, citing an informed source.
Leave a review