IRFS: Anar Bairamly sentenced for his journalist activity

Anar Bairamly, a correspondent of the Iranian "Sugar" TV Channel in Azerbaijan, has been imprisoned for his materials criticizing the authorities. This was stated by Emin Guseinov, Director of the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS).

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that today the Binagadi District Court of Azerbaijan sentenced Anar Bairamly for two years of imprisonment on charges of drug trafficking. He was detained in Baku on February 17. Later, he was arrested on suspicion of illegal drug possession and rendering resistance to the police.

In his turn, Emin Guseinov, Director of the IRFS, criticized the conviction of the journalist.

"We believe that Anar Bairamly is being prosecuted for his journalistic activities and critical materials in relation to the Azerbaijani authorities," Emir Guseinov stated.

He has expressed his regret that seven journalists are being kept in Azerbaijani prisons, and three of them have already been convicted. "We urge the authorities to stop the prosecution of journalists, to release those arrested and to ensure freedom of speech," the Director of the IRFS stated.

In his final speech at the trial, Anar Bairamly denied the charges against him and also stated that he was being prosecuted for his journalistic activities, in particular, for preparation of critical materials about human rights violation, including the religious rights of the citizens of Azerbaijan.

Anar Gasymov, the lawyer of the journalist, called the decision of the Court "unlawful and unfair". In particular, according to the lawyer, the Court did not take into account the conflicting testimonies of witnesses, including policemen.

He has reported that the verdict of the Court will be challenged at the Court of Appeal. At the same time, he drew attention to the fact that the judge did not allow to conduct video and audio recording of the trial.

The Binagadi District Court rejected to comment on the case against Anar Bairamly, referring to the fact that the position of the Court was reflected in the verdict.