The court left journalist Natig Javadli in custody

On January 23, the Baku Court of Appeal considered the complaint of Meydan TV journalist Natig Javadli against the refusal to transfer him to house arrest.

As lawyer Zibeyda Sadigova told Turan, during the hearing the defense drew the court's attention to the fact that Javadli has an elderly sick mother and three children in his care.

On the other hand, he has a permanent place of residence and is ready to appear for investigation at the first call.

Javadli himself called the charge of smuggling, stated in just one sentence, absurd.

He pointed out that he has been engaged in journalism for many years and everyone knows this.

In his work, Javadli also contacted government agencies, including the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Javadli stated that his life credo was based on the catchphrase of the philosopher Asif ATA "do not be ashamed of poverty, do not get tired of honesty." Javadli also drew the court's attention to the fact that during the search of his apartment, the police did not find any money or jewelry.

However, the court did not satisfy the complaint.

Now the defense will file a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights.

* On December 6, Meydan TV employees Aynur Elgunesh, Aytaj Tapdyg, Khayala Agayeva, Aysel Umudova, Natig Javadli and freelance journalist Ramin Deko (Jabrailzade) were detained on suspicion of currency smuggling. On December 8, the court arrested them all.

The journalists linked the criminal case to their professional activities. Human rights activists recognized them as political prisoners.