Claim of journalist versus police considered in Azerbaijan

On Wednesday, May 13, the Nasimin District Court of Baku, chaired by Ikram Shirinov, started a trial on the suit lodged by Emin Guseinov, Director of the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS), against the police of Azerbaijan.

As respondents, the journalist named the MIA of Azerbaijan, Nasimin ROVD and the 22nd police station of this Department.

Mr Guseinov demands to punish the persons, who, under his version, beat him on June 14, 2008, in the 22nd police station, where he was brought together with the members of the Che Guevara Club. Journalist Guseinov took part in the Club's action, dedicated to Che Guevara's 80th birthday. Right from the police station he was hospitalized without consciousness and spent over 10 days at the first aid hospital.

Guseinov claims in total 150,000 manats (180,000 US dollars) from the respondents as compensation of his moral and health damage.

Elchin Sadygov, the claimant's advocate, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that witnesses gave contradictory evidences. "Those from among policemen said that they had not seen Guseinov at the police station whatsoever. The witnesses invited yesterday started to assert that Guseinov was at the station, but no pressure was applied to him. Moreover, one of the witnesses began his story with 'it was a cold winter day', although the incident happened in summer," said the advocate.

The press service of the MIA refused to give comments, saying that they have no information about the trial, while the on duty units of the Nasimin ROVD and 22nd police station recommended addressing the press service of the MIA.