In Azerbaijan, arrested "Nida" activist sues MNS and state TV

Mamed Azizov, an activist of the youth movement "Nida" (Shout), who was arrested in Azerbaijan on charges of drug possession, has filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of National Security (MNS) and the AzTV State Channel, claiming to recognize a breach of his presumption of innocence and payment of monetary compensation of moral harm.

As stated by Fariz Namazly, an Azizov's advocate, his client denies the accusation and claims that the searchers themselves had planted drugs into his rented apartment.

"After detention, Mamed Azizov was pressed at the Isolation Unit of the MNS; and under moral pressure he made the confession. The video footage of Azizov's questioning was put on the state television. In the broadcast Mamed Azizov was presented as a drug addict and criminal," the lawyer said, adding that under the law only the court can determine the commission of criminal acts by anyone. "On the other hand, the young man was deprived of the chance to choose a trusted lawyer," - said Namazly.

According to his story, Azizov asks the court to declare a breach of his presumption of innocence and collect from the two respondents - the MNS and the AzTV - compensation of moral harm in the total amount of 10,000 manats (about 12,700 US dollars).

The lawyer also pointed to the unreasonable protraction of inquiry into Azizov's case.

Officials of the Public Relations Centre of the MNS were unavailable for comments. The Closed Joint-Stock Company (CJSC) "Tele-Radio-Broadcasts of Azerbaijan", where the AzTV is a member, declined to comment, referring to absence of information about the lawsuit against the Company.