Azerbaijan: journalist convicted for incitement to riots

On August 23, the Nizami District Court of Baku completed the trial against journalist Faramaz Allakhverdiev, known as Faramaz Novruzoglu. The Court found him guilty of inciting riots and illegal crossing of the state border and sentenced him to 4.5 years of imprisonment in a high security penal colony.

Faramaz Allakhverdiev was convicted for calling people to riots during the action "Great People's Day" of March 11, 2011, announced in the social network "Facebook" by user "Elchin Ilgaroglu". This was reported by the Institute of Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS), whose staff members monitored the trial against the journalist.

Besides, Faramaz Allakhverdiev was found guilty of illegal crossing of the state border of Azerbaijan (Article 318.1 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan) in November 2010 and illegal stay in Turkey till October 2011.

The verdict of the Court, chaired by Judge Imran Burdjaev was held under special security measures. Three court bailiffs were constantly present behind the iron bars near Faramaz Allakhverdiev. The warders departed only when Faramaz Allakhverdiev stated that he would present his final speech only after their departure.

Faramaz Allakhverdiev has refuted the accusations and said that he is being prosecuted for publishing and posting articles on social networks. In his materials, he was investigating the facts of corruption among top-ranking officials.

Having stated that the criminal case against him was fabricated, Faramaz Allakhverdiev asked the Court to pronounce the fair verdict. After three minutes of discussion, Judge pronounced the verdict of guilty.