Trial in the case of Baku kiosks

Trial  on the suit of the Director of Turan Information Agency, Mehman Aliyev, against Baku Mayor Office, was scheduled for 15:00 pm on October 19 in Baku Administrative Economic Court Number 1.

The suit was filed in accordance with Article 24.1 of the law "On Freedom of Information"  because of the refusal of the mayor Hajibala Abutalibov to provide information related to the establishment of new so-called press kiosks in the capital.

The letter sent to Abutalibov on August 28, asked to answer questions about the legal and regulatory framework for the establishment of new stalls, and on their  legal owner,  on the use not on  purposes, and  causing economic damage  to print media.

In violating the law, only 20 days after the request, the Department of Trade and Services of the Executive Power of Baku gave a formal answer.  The letter did not give answers to these questions, but only  justified replacing kiosks to improve  the sale of  periodicals.

Prior to the correspondence Hajibala Abutalibov  refused to meet with the leaders of the media and  journalist organizations on the problem of the retail distribution of the press in the capital, and did not answer  to their written request.

Previously, on August 15, a letter was sent to Abutalibov requesting a meeting  and  clarifying the situation around  illegal  liquidation of newsstands in Baku, and the complete destruction of retail network of newspapers.

As you know, the process of  installation of  new press kiosks began in Baku in September 2011, which was presented  by Abutalibov as the next step  to  improve the  capital. But actually stalls illegally sell alcohol, cigarettes and food, deliberately limiting the sale of newspapers. These facts were revealed during a series of monitoring on the part of media leaders and journalists' organizations.

Rights of the press at the trial will represent  the lawyers of the Media Rights Institute.—0—