Trial in the case of Rufat Safarov

On Monday in Lankaran Serious Crimes Court chaired by Asem Hajiyev began a judicial investigation in the case of Rufat Safarov,  former investigator  Zardab regional prosecutor. At today's meeting  an indictment was read. According to the materials of case, in 2014  Rufat Safarov received a bribe from the head of the Alibeyli  rural municipality Elchin Khalilov 1000 AZN,  from an employee of the district  energy  network Alamdara Abbasov - 700 manat, from an employee of the district veterinary control Mansour Panahov - 500 manat, Head of Culture and Tourism Department Eldaniz Abdullayeva – 3,000 AZN.

According to the investigation,  Safarov got the money, promising to reject these complaints and not to start criminal proceedings against them. Safarov himself has called the accusations ridiculous and frivolous.

Safarov believes that the real reason for the lawsuit against him is public criticism of the prosecution.

He also noted that he received gratitude for the good work personally from the Prosecutor General Zakir Garalov. "If I was a bribe-taker, for what I was thanked?"  Safarov said.

He reiterated that resigned in protest against the lawlessness, arbitrariness in the Prosecutor's Office.

The lawyer Behruz Bayramov, in turn, sought the definition of private criminal prosecution of those who bribed Safarov. For the laws of the country, giving a bribe is a criminal offense. The court rejected the petition. The next meeting will take place on 7 September.

Safarov is the son of a former member of parliament and one of the founders of the ruling party "Yeni Azerbaijan" Eldar Sabiroglu, who last year publicly criticized the head of Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev.

In December Safarov publicly criticized the authorities for violations of the law and the poor performance of law enforcement agencies, announced his retirement from the prosecution. In turn, prosecutors stated d the dismissal of Safarov "for improper conduct."

On 15 January Safarov was arrested on charges of taking bribes. However, on January 22, he was released under house arrest. Safarov rejects the charge, and says the lawsuit against his is apolitical order.—B06—