Elchin Sadigov Banned from Engaging in Individual Advocacy

Baku / 26.09.20 / Turan: The Presidium of the Azerbaijani Bar Association issued a reprimand to defender Elchin Sadigov. Moreover, he is prohibited from engaging in individual advocacy. Sadigov was ordered to work as part of Law Office number 14.

As Sadigov told Turan, on January 15, 2020, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him based on the appeal of his former client, a citizen of Georgia Leila Janashia.

According to Sadigov, on July 15, 2019, he achieved the cancellation of the decision to deport her from Azerbaijan, and on January 8, 2020, he achieved issuing her a residence permit in Azerbaijan for 1 year.

However, this woman filed a complaint against him with the Bar Association for alleged falsification of lawyer documents.

Sadigov believes that this woman was used against him for the purpose of pressure in connection with his advocacy.

At the same time, as Sadigov noted, on July 30, 2020, the Yasamal district prosecutor's office refused to initiate a criminal case against him, without revealing any violations in his actions. The Sabail District Court also confirmed on September 2, 2020 that there were no violations in his actions.

Nevertheless, after all this, the Presidium of the Bar Association, in violation of the rule of law, reprimanded him, forbade him to practice private law and obliged him to act as part of the number 14 law office in Baku.

A lawyer carrying out individual activities has the right to write out a warrant for himself.

While working in the Bureau, he must receive orders from this structure.

Since the Bureau does not work on weekends, in cases of detention of activists and journalists on weekends, Sadigov will not be able to promptly connect to the defense.

He pointed out that the decision of the Presidium of the Bar Association was illegal.

According to Part 5 of Article 5 of the Law on Advocates and Advocate Activity, an advocate has the right to individual activity.

Sadigov intends to seek the restoration of his rights.

Sadigov specializes in the human rights field. He is and has been a lawyer for many political prisoners, including well-known politicians, journalists, bloggers, and human rights activists. — 06B-