Editor-in-Chief of “Khural” newspaper ended testification on the counts during trial in Azerbaijan

On November, 22, trial on the case of Editor-in-Chief of “Khural” newspaper Avaz Zeinalov ended testification on the counts in the Court for grave crimes of Baku. Once again Zeinalov declared that the criminal case was forged and demanded release from custody.

Avaz Zeinalov rejected the charge of tax evasion and non-performance of juridical decisions. “All these charges against me were brought practically simultaneously which is another evidence of a contract nature of the criminal case fabricated upon an order of Head of the President’s Administration Ramiz Mehtiev and his subordinates”, Avaz Zeinalov said.

Speaking of tax evasion he stated incorrect calculation of the amount of tax. “Circulation of the paper was artificially overrated as well as the paper’s income”, the journalist is sure.

He pointed out that the tax officials proceed from circulation of 2100 copies of one issue. “But the point is that the paper had such circulation only one month before it was closed when the paper became a weekly in September and October of 2011. Earlier, the paper’s circulation was at a low level”, Zeinalov said. Besides, according to the defendant, the tax officials proceed from the newspaper’s price of 40 giapiks (about 0,48 dollars) while in 2008 the paper cost 30 giapiks (about 0,36 dollars).

As for the charge of non-performance of juridical decisions, Zeinalov considers it a contract one, too. “Why did all the plaintiffs keep silence for several yours and now they are all demanding fines?”, the defendant asked adding that he was ready to pay off all the compensations.

Earlier, the defense stated that half of the sum of 20 thousand manats (about 25 thousand dollars) was covered by money and confiscated property of the editorial office. Besides, Zeinalov said that the editorial board had 5 thousand manats (about 6,25 thousand dollars) on its credit and this money could also be used for paying compensations. Editor-in-Chief of “Khural” declared that he was ready to pay the rest of the sum in case if he was released and the obstacles for publishing the paper were eliminated.

After Avaz Zeinalov’s speech the judge announced a break of the trial till 15:00, November, 28.