Kiosk of Baku resident is "stolen"

At today’s  press conference at the Institute for Reporters Freedom and Safety (IRFS), Baku resident Veronica Tarbaeva complained of the illegal removal her newsstand in Baku.

Last summer, she got a right to place her kiosk near the metro station "Neftchilar." However, at night on September 5 the kiosk was  stolen.

According Tarbaeva, she got a kiosk in the  Trade Department in Baku. She had to pay monthly 1000 manat for the use of the kiosk.  In September, Nizami Guliyev , who collected money from stalls in Nizami district, demanded  from Tarbaeva 1500 manats. When she asked for clarification on increasing fees and  demanded receipts,  Guliyev refused  to give any explanation, and on the night of September 5,  the kiosk was removed.

    Tarbaeva complained to the 24th police station in  Nizami district. However, the police did not take any measures, saying  that "strong men" are behind this business. The district prosecutor recommended Tarbaeva  to appeal to court, and there she was told that the case is criminal by nature, and re-sent the case  to the police. The appeal to the Baku prosecutor also was  futile.

Next Tarbaeva met with the head of the Commerce Department of the Baku Mayor Office,  Ramiz Hajiyev. He promised to indemnify the woman, monthly paying her 300 manats.

But Tarbaeva insists on the return of the kiosk.  The woman is suffering from cancer and expects the revenues from the kiosk to feed her family and buy medicines. She had to appeal to the Constitutional Court to restore her  property rights.

Installation of  the newsstand "Press kiosk" began in Baku two years ago. Moreover, in many places  they are located instead of the previously state kiosks belonging to  the "Gasid" firm. The establishment of new kiosks,  which are called "Paris", was motivated to improve the architectural appearance of Baku. However, these outlets are more similar to mini-markets and do not tend to sell newspapers because they earn more from the sale of food and drinks. Moreover, city officials do not disclose who owns the kiosks.

As a result of not providing the answer to the  information request  about the ownership  of the stalls, Turan agency filed a lawsuit against the  city mayor, Hajibala Abutalibov, and the case is being considered  in the Baku Appeal court. -05C06-