The court trial in the case of the founder of the site, accused of treason

Baku/03.02.20/Turan: On February 3, the Baku Serious Crimes Court chaired by Faig Ganiev held a preparatory trial in the case of the editor of the site xeberman.com Polad Aslanov, accused of treason.

At the beginning of the trial Aslanov demanded a microphone, saying that he was not heard in the hall. After the refusal of the judge, Aslanov and his family members began to resent loudly. The judge ordered the court to be vacated, however, Aslanov stated that in this case he would refuse to participate in the court.

After some time, journalists and human rights activists were allowed into the hall. However, Aslanov was not given a microphone.

Lawyer Elchin Sadigov challenged the presiding judge, indicating that Judge Ganiev in 1998-2013 worked as an investigator in the Ministry of National Security and may be an interested party, since the investigation was conducted by the State Security Service. The request was supported by another lawyer Kamran Musaev.

The public prosecutor opposed the motion. Two other judges after the meeting dismissed the motion.

Further, Aslanov began to applaud and beat the glass cage door in protest. He said that from today he begins political activity and appeals to the National Council of Democratic Forces with a request to accept him into this structure. The judge in response warned that if Aslanov would impede the process, then the next meeting would be held without him.

Sadigov’s lawyer requested the termination of the criminal case and the immediate release of Aslanov. According to him, the prosecution is based on testimony given under pressure.

“Aslanov has a permanent residence. His ID and passport in the case file. He does not intend to hide from the investigation and this is impossible. He has health problems, please change the preventive measure to house arrest,” Sadigov continued.

Lawyers also petitioned to ensure participation in the trial of recognized victim Dayanat Babayev. However, the judge stated that Babayev was ill and was not able to attend. The court rejected all the applications after the meeting.

Due to the presence in the case file of information concerning state secrets and the activities of special services, the court decided to hold the following hearings partially closed. The hearing is essentially scheduled for February 10th.

The  editor Polad Aslanov was detained on June 12 and arrested for 4 months on charges under the Article 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  the Article 134 (threat to kill or cause serious bodily harm) of the Criminal Code.

Aslanov pleads not guilty and states that he is being prosecuted for critical publications about corruption in law enforcement agencies. According to the spouse, a number of media representatives and activists gave “false testimonies” against her husband. Local and international human rights organizations condemned the criminal prosecution of Aslanov.-06B-