In Azerbaijan, trial on claim of MIA boss against "Femida-007" editor-in-chief postponed

The Yasamal District Court of Azerbaijan has postponed the litigation earlier appointed for January 25 on the suit of Ramil Usubov, Interior Minister, lodged under procedure of a special charge against Eyub Kerimov, editor-in-chief of the "Femida-007" newspaper.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Mr Usubov demands to bring the journalist to criminal liability under Article 147.2 of the Criminal Code ("Slander of committing a grave or especially grave crime"), which assumes a range of punishments up to 2 years in prison.

Judge Khagani Tagiev, chairing the process, had to postpone it because of non-appearance of Usubov's representatives. The next date is February 3, as reported by the "APA" Agency.

The previous court session on this case took place on January 21. Then, the conclusion of the examination of the newspaper articles, on which Editor Kerimov was accused, was announced.

According to the experts' opinion, Mr Kerimov used in his articles slanderous expressions about the Azerbaijani law-enforcement bodies and Minister Ramil Usubov. The conclusion also notes that the journalist's articles contain expressions, which can tell negatively on the work of the MIA and image of Minister Usubov.

The defendant disagreed with the experts in his comments and noted that they had used old versions of his articles in drawing up their conclusion. According to his version, the questionable expressions were replaced, and, consequently, now he asks for a repeated examination.

Alirza Abilov, Minster's advocate, who spoke at the session, said that in the course of the judicial investigation the editor's guilt was completely proved. He stated that Kerimov admitted his guilt, but would not repent; therefore, no reconciliation of the parties was possible. Lawyer Abilov demanded to sentence Kerimov under the above Article 147.2, as reported by the "Day.az" Agency.