Preliminary Investigation on Case of Journalist Khadija Ismayilova Completed

The Investigation Department on Grave Crimes of the General Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan on June 22 announced the completion of the preliminary investigation on the case of the journalist Khadija Ismayilova. Turan was told by the lawyer Fakhraddin Mehdiyev. According to him, starting from 23 June, Ismayilova and her lawyers will separately examine the materials of the criminal case.

Mehdiyev said that Ismayilova was initially charged under Article 125 (inciting to suicide), and later under Articles 179.3.2 (embezzlement on a large scale), 192.2.2 (illegal entrepreneurship), 213.1 (evasion of taxes) and 308.2 (abuse of power) of the Criminal Code. At the same time, criminal proceedings against Ismayilova under Article 284.2 (disclosure of state secrets) discontinued. The lawyer believes that the charges are not justified.

"Tural Mustafayev himself has repeatedly stated in the media that he refuses to appeal against Ismayilova and said he had to tell lies about Khadija under pressure. However, the investigators believe that the legal assessment of this statement can only be given by the court," the lawyer said.

 In his view, the findings of the preliminary investigation were "not objective". According to him, after getting acquainted with the materials of the criminal case the defense will make further motions.

 Ismayilova said the charges are politically motivated. Amnesty International recognizes her a "prisoner of conscience". Her release is required by many international organizations. -03B--