The founder of "Gundem Heber" is sentenced to three years on probation

The Kapaz Regional Court of Ganja condemned, on Monday, the founder of "Gundem Heber", Shirin Jafari to three years imprisonment on charges of tax evasion.

In addition, he was obliged to pay the tax debt to the amount of 71,000 manat, Turan was told by Nasimi Sharafkhanli, the editor- in-chief of the "Gundem Heber" newspaper.

He called it a "humane" decision, in view of the fact that Jafari has not been deprived of his liberty, but "unfair and cruel to the newspaper."

Sharafkhanli noted that the newspaper is unable to pay the debt. The court's decision has halted its activity, since all earnings to the bank account will be retained.

"It actually means the closure of the newspaper," said Sharafkhanli. The court's decision will be appealed.

The prosecutor asked the judge to imprison Jafari. The newspaper is considered independent, and is published five days a week with circulation 1500 copies.

It has a reputation as a critical newspaper that frequently publishes material causing complaints and lawsuits. –06D-