People involved in the trial in the case of R. Jafarov do not consider themselves "victims"

Trial in the case of  human rights activist Rasul Jafarov continued today in  the Baku Serious Crimes Court. Initially testimony gave Jahangir Akhmedov who  was recognized as “victim.”  He rented an apartment under the project, implemented by Jafarov’s NGOs. Akhmedov said that he has no claims to the accused, as was regularly  get  250 manat for rent.  However, Akhmedov said that did not sign a cash pay on his name. Witness Gunay Ismayilova reported that she rented the apartment with her sister, but it was hard to pay the rent, and she offered Jafarov to use the apartment as an office. From 10:00 to 18:00, one room was available to the project, and other time it was used by Ismailov and her sister. As a result of 250 manat for rent, 155 manat were paid under the project, the remaining 95 manat paid sister.

Lawyers said about the illegality of recognition Akhmedov  as victim because, he has not suffered any material damage.

Nijat Imranly also does not consider  himself guilty. He said that his testimony had been distorted in the protocol. Imranly reported that he had received money for his work, and sign the documents.

Further the witness Azer Gasimov reported that he had received and signed for 1220 manat for the preparation of the video.

The head of the Public Association for International Cooperation volunteers Elnur Mammadov said that Jafarov realized the project through an NGO, because Jafarov’s NGO did not have registration. In this case, the donor required to implement the project through a registered NGO.

The grant agreement was submitted to the Ministry of Justice. As for the week   there were not any  objection from the Ministry of Justice, the project was executed.

Then Tatiana Kriuchkina was to speak. However, the judge said there was no interpreter in the court, and therefore they should not listen to Kriuchkina. Then Kriuchkin fluently speaking the Azerbaijani language said she did not need an interpreter. Nevertheless, the judge insisted, clarifying what language she was educated. As a result the judge postponed the speech of  Kriuchkina,  and scheduled the next hearing for  March 5. All five victims spoke at the trial. Four of them clearly stated, they do not recognize themselves as such, and one also testified that he did not suffer financial loss.

* Jafarov was arrested on 2 August 2014 on charges of illegal business, tax evasion, and abuse of office. Subsequently, he was charged with misappropriation and official forgery. He denies all the charges, and connects them with his human rights activities. International human rights organization Amnesty International has recognized Jafarov  as "prisoner of conscience." -06В-