Court Action against Prominent Journalist Postponed

Today the Yasamal District Court of Baku, chaired by Azer Tagiyev started preliminary hearing on the suit of the head of the state–run TV channel AzTV Arif Alishanov against the TV journalist Professor Gulu Maharramli.

Alishanov has sued Maharramli in a private criminal prosecution and demands to punish Maharramli under articles 147 (slander) and 148 (insult) of the Criminal Code for the statements in his address in an interview. According to these articles, Maharramli faces up to 2 years imprisonment.

At today's meeting Maharramli demanded personal involvement of Alishanov in the hearing. The journalist's lawyer, Javid Rzazadeh explained that in cases involving honor and dignity personal participation of the plaintiff is necessary.

Alishanov’s lawyer Zaur Abbasov, in turn, noted that it is only a preparatory meeting and the plaintiff may join the proceedings at a later stage.

The judge Tagiyev decided to postpone the preparatory meeting. During the week, the parties will be notified of the date of the next meeting.

The defense believes there is no reason for the claim. The lawyer Rzazadeh considers absurd Maharramli’s prosecution for his statements in the framework of freedom of expression.

However, Alishanov has also addressed the Nasimi District Court with a civil suit against Maharramli. He demands to confiscate 100,000 manats (65,000 USD) from Maharramli. The trial in this case will be held in the Nasimi District Court on April 7 at 16:30. -03B--