22:05, 11 July 2014

Azerbaijan: journalist Mirkadirov rejects treason charge in evidencing to investigators

The Azerbaijani journalist Rauf Mirkadirov, who was arrested on charges of treason, has testified, for the first time during nearly three months of his custody, to investigators. He has completely denied the charges against him, said Elmar Suleimanov, one of his defenders.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Mirkadirov was detained on April 18 in Turkey and later deported to Baku. On April 21, a Baku court sanctioned his arrest for three months. He is accused of treason. According to Elmar Suleimanov, Mirkadirov refused to testify after his detention, considering the presented charge of spying in favour of Armenia as absurd. But, as noted by the advocate on June 4, the journalist decided to testify in order to "clarify some aspects of this criminal case."

Today, investigators questioned Mirkadirov in the presence of his lawyers, Elmar Suleimanov told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"He gave detailed testimonies to investigators and completely denied the charges against him. Due to the secrecy of investigation, we can't disclose Rauf Mirkadirov's evidence," he said.

Author: Faik Medzhid

Source: CK correspondent