Civil society appealed to head of state on B.Hajiyev and A.Zeynally cases

Baku/24.01.23/Turan: A group of civil society activists appealed to President Ilham Aliyev to change the preventive punishment for activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev and journalist Avaz Zeynally.

In their appeal they point out that both have serious health problems.

"Bakhtiyar Hajiyev and Avaz Zeynally are respected people in the society, both are patriots who love their state and people. In considering their professional activities and hoping for their full exoneration in the future, we ask for your humanistic intervention," the petition said.

The petition was signed by Sabit Baghirov, Arzu Abdullayeva, Novella Jafaroglu, Saida Gojamanly, Hafiz Hasanov, Nasimi Mammadli, Mirvari Gahramanly, Mehriban Zeynalova, Rasul Jafarov and others, 20 people in total.

* Bakhtiyar Hajiyev was detained on 9 December on charges of hooliganism and contempt of court. On the same day, the Khatai district court arrested him for 1 month and 20 days. On December 15, Hajiyev went on hunger strike demanding his release. On December 28, he ended the hunger strike after persistent calls from the public and family members. On January 9, however, he resumed the hunger strike after an appeals court refused to release him and continues to this day.

On 21 January, the court extended Hajiyev's arrest for another month.

* Lawyer Elchin Sadygov and Khural TV website founder Avaz Zeynally were detained on 10 September on suspicion of taking a bribe, and the court arrested both on 11 September.

On 17 September, the Baku Court of Appeal transferred Sadygov to house arrest.

Later, Zeynally was charged again under Article 312-1.1 (Illegal influence on the decision of an official (trading in influence) of the Criminal Code. On 29 December, Zeynally's arrest was extended for 3 months. -06D-