The head of Kanal-11 has claimed that court documents were falsified

The court records from the trial of Teymur Kerimov, the head of the YouTube channel Kanal-11, were falsified, the declaration distributed by Kerimov's colleagues. “The court documents are distorted. They misrepresented the testimony of citizens. For instance, the victim Leila Almaszadeh stated in court that she had no complaints against me. In court, she said, “Teymur did not ask  me for money and did not receive any money from me.” However, the court protocol states that she is complaining about me and demands the removal of illegally recorded videos,” writes Kerimov.

Additionally, the court records claim that another defendant in the case, Istek Totiyeva, transferred money to Kerimov via a bank card. "However, the bank statements from her card show that she did not transfer any money to me," notes Kerimov. It has also been claimed that Kerimov allegedly paid Totiyeva 350 manat in October 2023 as a salary. However, Kerimov states that cooperation with Totiyeva was terminated on September 25.

Due to the falsification of the court protocols, the verdict against him was based on fabricated facts and should be annulled. The defense has filed an appeal against the verdict. On December 28, the Baku Serious Crimes Court sentenced the founder of Internet TV "Kanal 11" Teymur Kerimov to 8 years in prison. Istek Totiyeva, who was involved in the same case, was sentenced to a conditional punishment with a two-year probation period.

In December 2023, the Narimanov District Court arrested Kerimov on charges under Articles 182.2.1 of the Criminal Code (extortion through threats, committed by a group of individuals), 182.2.2 (the same actions committed repeatedly), and 182.2.4 (the same actions committed with the intent to seize property in a significant amount) of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code. Local human rights organizations have recognized Kerimov as a political prisoner.