Hearings on Journalist S. Hazy Case Started in Azerbaijan

On the trial of the journalist Seymour Hazy there were performances by both defendants on December 4.

Recall that Hazy was arrested August 29 in a suburb of Baku. August 30 the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office said that Hazy hit a Baku resident Maharram Hasanov with bottle on his head. Against the journalist a criminal case was filed under article 221.3 (hooliganism committed with a weapon or use of objects used as a weapon) of the Criminal Code. The incident began with claims from Hasanov, who approached Hazy on the street and demanded to know why he did not answer him on Facebook. After that Hasanov attacked the journalist with his fists. Defending himself, Hazy struck the attacker back.

During the hearing held in the Absheron District Court on December 4, Hazy’s lawyer Adil Ismayilov first applied for recognition of both the accused, Hazy and Hasanov, as victims. He drew attention to the fact that in reality there are two defendants, and no one is a victim, although both of them were injured.

The state prosecutor did not object to the request, but the court rejected it.

Hasanov said he did not consider himself guilty and refused to testify.

According to the investigation, Hasanov filed claims against Hazy due to the fact that he allegedly did not respond to his letter on Facebook, and the journalist allegedly in response insulted him and hit him.

On the questions of the lawyers, he gave evasive answers - "I do not remember", "all in there", "I do not want to answer, I have the right to do so." It turned out that he has no knowledge about Facebook, in particular profile of Hazy which he allegedly tracked and wrote him a message. He did not know whose photos were placed in the upper part of the profile of Hazy, or who his "friends" were. On the questions of Hazy what specifically Hasanov wrote to the journalist, he could not answer, citing the fact that he no longer remembered.

Hazy himself stated that it was a provocation in connection with his journalistic activities. "Still a week before I was informed that I would be arrested," said Hazy. He also stressed that he was in no way responsible, and acted in self-defense, and did not exceed it.

Questioned as witnesses, policemen Emil Dadashov, Asif Salimli and Bahruz Sadigzadeh stated that they came together to testify the investigation, although the interrogation protocol specified different dates.

In addition, in the testimony to the preliminary investigation the policemen said that the detention of both the accused took 15-20 minutes. And at the trial, they reported that it took them 2-3 minutes.

The seller of a grocery store in Jeyranbatan said he did not see how Hazy hit Hasanov, and his words during the preliminary investigation were distorted. The witness said he only saw Hazy running.

The next hearing is scheduled for December 18. -06B--