Open Process for Mamedov?

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--