Prosecutor demands 9 years of imprisonment for Khadija Ismayilova

In his final speech in the case against journalist Khadija Ismayilova, the prosecutor has asked the Baku Court of Grave Crimes to sentence the defendant to 9 years of imprisonment.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Khadija Ismayilova, a reporter of the "Radio Liberty" in Azerbaijan, is charged with economic crimes and bringing her colleague Tural Mustafaev to suicide attempt. During the court session held on August 20, prosecution witnesses claimed tax violations committed by Khadija Ismayilova.

The public prosecutor has asked the court to find the journalist guilty of all charges: under Article 125 (bringing to suicide), Article 179.3.2 (misappropriation and embezzlement on a large scale), Article 192.2.2 (illegal entrepreneurial activities with large income), Article 213.1 (evasion of taxes), and Article 308.2 (abuse of power resulting in grave consequences) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, advocate Fariz Namazly reports.

According to the advocate, the defence is going to insist on acquittal of Khadija Ismayilova.

The next court session is scheduled for August 26. Then, the court is to listen to final speeches of the Khadija Ismayilova's advocates.

It should be noted that in May, Tural Mustafaev disseminated a video message, in which he reported on being tortured by the law enforcers, who forced him to defame Khadija Ismayilova.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.