Azerbaijani CoA upholds complaint of "Nida" activist on violation of presumption of innocence

The complaint lodged by Mamed Azizov, a member of the civil movement "Nida" (Shout), after the refusal to accept his lawsuit about the infringement of his presumption of innocence, was granted by the Court of Appeal (CoA) of Baku, Fariz Namazly, Azizov's advocate, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the defence of Mamed Azizov, accused of illegal drug possession, had filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of National Security (MNS) of Azerbaijan and the AzTV Channel. The Sabail District Court of Baku refused to accept the lawsuit, arguing that Azizov himself had to lodge the complaint from the SIZO (pre-trial prison), not via his lawyer. Also, the lawsuit was rejected because the respondents were state-owned organizations; therefore, it should have been considered by the administrative-economic court.

According to Fariz Namazly, these arguments were ungrounded. The very lawsuit had originated from the fact that at the SIZO of the MNS Azizov was exposed to pressure, under which he confessed, said the lawyer.

"A video of Azizov's interrogation was put on state television; where he was presented as a drug addict and criminal. This is a violation of the presumption of innocence," said Fariz Namazly.

He could not imagine the possible date for consideration of the lawsuit. According to Namazly, the legislation fails to clearly define the issue; however, the defence is "very determined and will defend the rightness" of Mamed Azizov.