Radio Azadlig Rejects Allegations of Involvement in Money Laundering

Radio Azadlig (Azerbaijani service of Radio Liberty) rejected charges of laundering "dirty money" attributed to it by several media.

 In particular, on December 19 the agency Interfax-Azerbaijan and other media circulated reports that the authorities of Azerbaijan suspect Radio Azadlig of "money laundering and embezzlement."

 In particular, it was argued that the following sums came from abroad to the account of Radio Azadlig:

  In 2010 more than $ 760,000, in 2011 more than $ 570,000, in 2012 more than $ 700,000, in 2013 more than $ 780,000, and in 2014 more than $ 730,000.

With regard to Radio Azadlig several witnesses were questioned. One of them, Shahvalad Namazov (Chobanoglu), in his testimony stated that he is the founder of the newspaper Different Way of Thinking. The newspaper was founded in 2009 with the aim of publishing and disseminating materials posted on the website of the Azerbaijani service of Radio Liberty. According to the agreement, for each issue of the newspaper the radio transferred to its bank account 900 manat, and from the end of October 2011, it transferred 1,300 manat.

 "Currently under investigation are activities of Radio Azadlig, during which already identified are serious financial irregularities. The investigating authorities are suspicious of the money received, as well as the theft of this money," Interfax-Azerbaijan wrote.

In turn, Radio Azadlig stated that during the period of its activities, it works completely transparent, timely paying taxes and making other social payments.

 "In this sense, the prosecution of the radio for laundering and embezzlement and diversion of this in Russian media reaffirms and strengthens the conviction of bias and prejudice of the investigative body," the statement by Radio Azadlig says.

 Further, the report notes that the information released with reference to the investigation shows small sums of money for the operation of the radio with a large staff, for the issue of salaries, office rent and other necessary expenses.

 "On the other hand, the investigative body by questioning all the radio employees as witnesses, making them sign non-disclosure of the confidentiality of the investigation, has illegally disseminated information related to the secrecy of the investigation and has once again demonstrated its lack of objectivity.

 In turn, the editor of the Different Way of Thinking Shahvalad Chobanoglu said that the publication of this organ was not any violation of the law. "The newspaper acted lawfully. It was registered, taxes were paid, and copies were distributed free of charge," he said. -06D-