Advocates claim political nature of criminal case against Khadija Ismayilova

The prosecution of Khadija Ismayilova shows signs of violation of her right to freedom of expression. This was declared by the journalist's lawyers during the final speech. In the course of the court session, the advocates discussed in details the charges against the journalist and claimed their inconsistency.

Today, at the Baku Court of Grave Crimes, the defence has submitted a written version of the final speech jointly prepared by the advocates. The text was signed by all three advocates, namely, Fariz Namazly, Djavad Djavadly, and Fakhraddin Mekhtiev.

Fariz Namazly has pointed out that Khadija Ismayilova could not be the reason for the suicide attempt of her colleagues Tural Mustafaev, since they did not communicate for six months before his suicide attempt.

Besides, the advocate has reminded the audience that on May 3, 2014, in his video message, Tural Mustafaev said that he had defamed Khadija Ismayilova under the pressure of Azer Asgarov, First Deputy Prosecutor of Baku, and investigator Vagif Suleimanov.

The defence has also pointed to the failure of the charge under Article "Embezzlement on a large scale" of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan. "Khadija Ismayilova did not sign any contract for implementation of works and provision of services," the advocates have emphasized.

The defence also treats as inconsistent the charge under Article "Illegal entrepreneurial activities with a large income."

The advocates have drew attention to the fact that the "Radio Liberty" funded by the US Congress "is a non-profit organization with the mission to contribute to free dissemination of news and ideas, support for democratic values and institutions and it is not run for gaining profit in Azerbaijan."

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