The court in Azerbaijan left Editor-in-Chief of “Khural” newspaper in custody

On December, 1, a motion of substitution preventive punishment to Avaz Zeinalov, Editor-in-Chief of “Khural” newspaper, for home arrest or release on bail was considered in Nasimi district court. Judge Etibar Gumbatov denied the motion leaving Zeinalov in custody.

Journalists were nor admitted to the courtroom at the trial on December, 1. Zeinalov’s attorney Elchin Sadygov was present at the trial. After the end of the session Sadygov reported that the motion was considered with the participation of the defendant himself.

According to Sadygov, the trial passed with violations of the law. “Yesterday we had an information that the case would be considered by judge Shalala Gasanova. Today it emerged that she “suddenly went on leave” and the case was transferred to judge Etibar Gumbatov. He naturally did not know the materials of the case and in fact came to the trial unprepared”, the lawyer said on December, 1.

Besides, according to Sadygov, the judge denied the motion without letting the defendant out of the cell for him to be able to take a seat beside his attorney and consult him.

The lawyer considers that the judge’s attitude toward consideration of the motion was formal and the motion was denied after a very short discussion. Sadygov said that the judgment would be appealed against in the Appellate court of Baku.

Representatives of Nasimi district court declined comment explaining that the case was “not considered on the merits” at this trial.