Tbilisi / 21.06.18 / Turan: The authorities have almost a month to respond to the European Court's questions on the case of journalist Afgan Mukhtarly, his lawyer Archil Chopikashvili stated.
According to him, on June 31, the Georgian Justice Ministry should answer eight questions of the European Court.
"The issues mainly concern the kidnapping of the Azerbaijani journalist, and the court is wondering whether the kidnapping took place, whether there was a violation of freedom and expression, whether the right to use legal opportunities was violated, and whether de facto expulsion from the country occurred," he said.
"I sent eight questions to Georgia, and six to Azerbaijan. I think that the answer to the questions will give the court more opportunities to establish the facts and existence of those violations against the Azerbaijani journalist. The deadline for replies is July 30. After this, the plaintiff will have the opportunity to submit written comments in connection with the state's replies.
In the case, communication quickly began, the case was given priority. We hope that the mechanism of the European Parliament will be the means by which the interests of the Azerbaijani journalist will be restored," the lawyer said.
Afgan Mukhtarli, who sharply criticized the Azerbaijani government was kidnapped in the center of Tbilisi on May 29, 2017, the next day he was arrested in Baku. The authorities accused him of illegal border crossing and smuggling. However, the journalist himself told the lawyer that he was caught and beaten by Georgian police, taken to the border and handed over to Azerbaijani representatives.
At the border checkpoint, 10 thousand euros were planted into his pocket, and then alleged that it was smuggling money. An international scandal began on this fact and the Georgian authorities were forced to make excuses. President Georgi Margvelashvili accused the government of complicity in the kidnapping.
Prime Minister Kvirikashvili recently resigned and it will be easier for the new government to explain how the kidnapping of a journalist in the center of Tbilisi could happen. -02D-
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