In Baku, prosecutor asks to sentence editor-in-chief of "P.S. Nota" to 5.5 years of imprisonment

In Baku, at the trial in the case against Sardar Alibeili, the editor-in-chief of the newspaper "P.S. Nota" and the online-edition www.psnota.com, accused of disorderly conduct, prosecutor has asked to sentence the defendant to 5 years and 6 months of imprisonment. The defence insists on the verdict of non-guilty.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on July 31, Sardar Alibeili was detained in Baku. He was charged under Article 221.3 (disorderly conduct with using of weapons or objects used as weapons) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan. The journalist has claimed being prosecuted for political reasons.

In his turn, Samir Isaev, an advocate of Sardar Alibeili, has stated that in the course of the judicial investigation, the guilt of the journalist had not been proven. The advocate has also expressed his regret that the prosecutor had asked for "too long term of sentence" for the journalist.

Samir Isaev has expressed the hope that while sentencing, the court will also take into account the fact that Sardar Alibeili takes care of a sick child, a Category I invalid.

According to the advocate, on November 12, the court is to listen to the final speeches of the defence and of the defendant himself.

The Media Rights Institute (MRI) has condemned the Sardar Alibeili's arrest and called it politically motivated. The MRI has also recalled that since 2005, Sardar Alibeili had been brought to trial 11 times.