The arrest of bank account of "Azadlig " illegal

Media Rights Institute (MRI) considers the arrest of the  bank account of "Azadlig" newspaper as a  pressure on this important printing organ, which can not be justified.

 The  MRI regrets the government's indifference to the illegal decision, paralyzing the activities of the opposition newspaper.

It should be noted that on October 25 once again "Azadlig" newspaper was arrested  due to the claim of the owner of the shopping center "Bina" Kabira Mamedova by 32,000 manat.

The statement of the MRI  reminded that  10 claims were filed in 2012-2013 against the newspaper "Azadlig"  by public officials , MPs, businessmen  connected with  the authorities .

In particular, the lawsuits were filed  by the chief of  subway Tags Akhmedov, deputy Novruzali Alanov, businessman Anar Mammadov (son of the Minister of Transport ), the head of the shopping center "Bina" Kabira Mamedova. On her claim  the newspaper was fined 30,000 manat, and its reporter Ramin Deko – two thousand manat for the publication on extortions in the shopping center "Bina" .

The MRI considers illegal  the arrest of the bank accounts  of the newspaper only on  the basis  of the  court decision. On October 17, the newspaper appealed to the court to suspend execution of a judgment on the claim of Mamedov.

"According to the Article 17 of the law "On the execution of judgment" in the case challenging the court decision, it should be suspended until the end of the dispute. Therefore , in this case the bailiffs have broken the law," reads the statement of the MRI.

This solution is a serious blow to freedom of expression, to eliminate publication providing political pluralism. MRI calls on the government to investigate the actions of those who violate the law and to restore the violated rights  of the newspaper.—06D--