During the review of the appeal of the human rights defender Leyla Yunus and her husband Arif Yunus on 7 December their lawyers asked the court to acquit them.
Leyla and Arif Yunus were arrested in the summer of 2014 and in August of this year convicted on charges of economic crimes respectively to 8.5 and 7 years in prison.
On November 12 Baku Court of Appeal released Arif Yunus from custody for health reasons, changing the measure of restraint for commitment not to leave Baku. Despite the fact that Leyla Yunus is seriously ill, she remains in custody.
On December 7 the Court of Appeals began examination of the application of the spouses on the merits.
Leyla Yunus was enclosed in a glass cage. She looked much exhausted and pale.
According to the lawyer Elchin Sadigov, the guilt of the defendants was not proved at the first instance trial. For this reason, he called the court to justify them.
"If the court does not consider it necessary to justify Leyla Yunus and Arif Yunus, then please take into account the state of their health and apply some form of punishment not involving deprivation of liberty, for their further detention is extremely dangerous for them," said Sadigov.
Another lawyer for the human rights activist, Ramiz Mamedov commented on all the charges, calling them unfounded. He stressed that Yunus was not engaged in commercial activities, and her organization received grants not taxable, so Yunus could not be accused of illegal business activities and tax evasion.
As for the allegations of fraud, the case does not have any victims because the grantor organizations have no claims to Yunus.
The lawyer Elchin Gambarov supported his colleagues.
The lawyer for Arif Yunus, Afgan Mammadov also called to justify his client.
The spouses Yunus agreed with the lawyers.
In turn, the prosecutor suggested to keep the verdict in force. During his speech, Leyla Yunus closed her ears and began to shake her head, implying that she does not agree with his position.
After the speeches of the parties, the judge ordered to continue consideration of the complaints at 15.00 on 10 December. -06C--
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