Polad Aslanov Insists on Open Trial

Baku / 14.02.20 / Turan: The editor of the website xeberman.com accused of treason, Polad Aslanov, appealed to the Ombudswoman Sabina Aliyeva and the head of the Judicial Legal Council Fikret Mammadov “in connection with the violation of his rights in court”.

According to his wife Gulmira Aslanova, Polad requires an open trial.

 “By conducting a closed trial, they are trying to hide the absurdity of the charges against me. At the February 10 meeting, no information concerning state secrets was touched upon, but contrary to our insistence with the lawyers, the process went behind closed doors,” the statement said.

In addition, the presiding judge Faig Ganiyev is biased because he worked for a long time in the Ministry of National Security.

Aslanov claims that the true reason for his arrest is the publication of corruption in law enforcement agencies. Aslanov urges to ensure his right to defense, conduct an open trial and allow him to speak into the microphone in court. He also denies high treason charges.

* Polad Aslanov was detained on June 12 and arrested for 4 months on charges under Art. 274 (treason) of the Criminal Code. The investigation is conducted by the State Security Service. On October 5, the arrest period was extended for another 4 months.

In December, another charge was brought against him - under Art. 134 (threat of murder or serious bodily harm) of the Criminal Code. However, on February 10, Dayanat Babayev, who was recognized as a victim under this article, refused the complaint.

Local and international human rights organizations condemned the prosecution of Aslanov. -06B-