Investigation on threats to employees of "Khural" newspaper launched in Azerbaijan

The Baku police have started an inquiry on the application of journalists of the "Khural" newspaper about the threats coming to them from unknown persons. Avaz Zeinalov, Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper remains in custody on charges of bribe-taking.

Let us remind you that on December 8, the Azerbaijani court rejected the motion of Zeinalov's defence. The editor-in-chief of the "Khural" newspaper Avaz Zeinalov was arrested on October 28 on suspicion of huge bribe-taking on the basis of the complaint lodged by the MP Gyular Akhmedova. Apart from Akhmedova, three more persons had turned to the Department for Combating Corruption with allegations of bribing the editor.

Law enforcers are trying to establish the persons, who threaten the journalists of the newspaper.

With regard to the criminal case of bribe-taking initiated against Avaz Zeinalov, his advocates have decided to lodge a cassation compliant to the Supreme Court of Azerbaijan.

Elchin Sadygov, one of his advocates said that, in his opinion, Avaz Zeinalov is persecuted for criticizing the authorities.

The lawyer also reported about violation of his professional rights and his client's rights by the administration of the Baku SIZO (pre-trial prison).

According to Sadygov, before and after their every meeting they are searched each; and their conversation is listened to. In this regard, Sadygov sent a letter to the Ombudsperson of Azerbaijan Elmira Suleimanova, where he complained about the actions of the SIZO administration.

The lawyer Sadygov asserts that Zeinalov's appeals to the Ministries of Internal Affairs, National Security and Justice, which he wanted to convey through his advocate, were confiscated.

The office of the Ombudsperson said that Sadygov's application will be considered and directed to "to appropriate bodies" for taking measures.

The Penitentiary Service of Azerbaijan refrained from comments, saying that no complaints had arrived there from the advocate or his client.