The head of AZTV refuses to appear in court

A preparatory  trial at the suit of the head of state television channel AzTV Arif Alishanov against the famous TV journalist Gulu Maharramli took place  on 8 April in the Yasamal District Court of Baku, chaired by Azer Tagiyev. Alishanov sued a private prosecution and demands to punish Maharramli under Articles 147 (slander) and 148 (insult) of the Criminal Code for statements in his address. Maharramli  can be  imprisoned  up  to  two years. At the previous   trial Maharramli’s protection applied for summons of the plaintiff. The court agreed with this, but today Alishanov again failed to appear and was represented by his lawyer.

Javid Rzazade, the lawyer by Maharramli, said that the protection of honor and dignity is an inalienable right of an individual and this right cannot be entrusted to another person. However, the judge rejected the petition  of Tagiyev , and appointed  the trial for 15 April.

Commenting on the lawsuit by  Alishanov, Maharramli  noted non consistency of the claim. He noted that a scientist-linguist, Doctor of Sciences, more than 30 years of experience in journalism  can distinguish criticism from slander. Maharramli said that  he criticized Alishanov for incompetence,  so  let him come to court and explain  his  claims.

Alishanov filed a civil suit against Maharramli in the Nasimi District Court, demanding to recover from Maharramli 100.000 manat ( $65000.) -В06--