Arrest of Editor-in-Chief of Аzadxeber.org in Baku prolonged for three months

Nasimi district court of Baku under the chairmanship of judge Shahin Abdullaev passed a judgment of prolonging the term of arrest to Nidzhat Aliev, Editor-in-Chief of online media Аzadxeber.org, mostly religious by contents, the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent reports.

Aliev was detained in the evening of May, 20, for accusation of illegal storage of drugs. According to the investigation, marijuana was found in the pocket of his trousers. The journalist states that the drugs were planted to him during detention.

The journalist’s attorney Anar Gasymov also considers that the charge brought against Aliev is groundless: “The term of arrest was prolonged already for the fifth time but no investigative actions against Nidzhat Aliev are carried out”.

According to him, the journalist rejects the charge and considers that he is prosecuted for his professional activities, in particular, for his publications before “Eurovision” contest in which he spoke against holding a gay-parade in Baku.

” Nidzhat Aliev just expressed his opinion. He did no call for any coercive or unlawful actions”, his attorney said.

According to procedural legislation, yesterday’s judgment is the last possible prolongation of the term of arrest. Then the case must be either dismissed or referred to court. In case if Aliev’s guilt is proven he may be sentenced to up to 2 years of custody.

Investigation concerning Aliev is being carried out by Investigative Department for grave crimes of Prosecutor General’s, the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent reports. The Department produces no comment on Aliev’s case explaining that preliminary investigation is still in process.