Victim Declines Complaint against Polad Aslanov

Baku / 11.02.20 / Turan: The Baku Serious Crimes Court, chaired by Faig Ganiev, continued the day before the trial in the case of the editor of the website xeberman.com Polad Aslanov, accused of treason.

The meeting was closed, Aslanov’s wife said. According to her, the only victim in this case, Dayanat Babayev, appeared in court and refused claims to the defendant.

It should be noted that during the preliminary investigation, Aslanov was charged with another charge on the basis of Babayev’s testimony - under Art. 134 (threat to kill or cause serious bodily harm) of the Criminal Code.

The next meeting is scheduled for February 14, 2:30 p.m.

 Recall that Polad Aslanov was detained on June 12 and arrested for 4 months on charges under Art. 274 (high 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 Art. 134 (threat of death or 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 prosecution of Aslanov.     -06B-