23:00, 26 July 2010

In Azerbaijan, court rejects early release of blogger Gadjizade

Today, the Garadag District Court of Azerbaijan, presided by Rufan Mursalov, considered a petition lodged by blogger Adnan Gadjizade about early release after serving a half of his term.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports that the court listened to officials of Colony No. 14, where Gadjizade is serving his term, - Natik Gadjiev, deputy head for upbringing and inspector Ali Nabiev.

They voiced against Gadjizade's early release under the motive of the convict's "contradictory characterization." In particular, they were dissatisfied that Gadjizade "had frequent meetings with his advocate."

Besides, the colony managers complained that Gadjizade "had not repented of his crime," and ignored the works "of improving the colony."

Adnan Gadjizade parried that "he is an exemplary prisoner" and had no disciplinary punishments. His advocate Isakhan Ashurov treated the arguments of the colony officials as "absurd" and called the judge to early release his client according to the legislation. However, Judge Mursalov decided to reject the petition.

Lawyer Ashurov promised to appeal against the decision at the court of appeal.

Author: Faik Medzhid

Source: CK correspondent