CoA rejects re-investigation of Giyas Ibragimov's case

The Baku Court of Appeal (CoA) has rejected the motion put forward by the defence of Giyas Ibragimov, which demanded a partial re-investigation of his case, and appointed a consideration of the appeal on the merits on December 26. An advocate of Ibragimov has treated the refusal as unwillingness of the court to conduct a fair consideration.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on October 25 the Baku Court of Grave Crimes sentenced Giyas Ibragimov to ten years in prison on charges of illegal drug dealing, although the prosecutor asked for nine years. On December 8, on similar charges, Bairam Mamedov was sentenced to ten years in prison.

The today's court session has aroused public interest: the courtroom was attended by many activists and members of the diplomatic corps of Western countries.

The Ibragimov's defence petitioned in favour of considering the complaint with a partial re-trial. He argued that the first-instance court had failed to question the witnesses, whose testimonies could have significant value for the case.

The advocate also asked to appoint an examination to identify the fingerprints on the packages with the drugs, which, according to policemen's allegations, were confiscated from Ibragimov's pocket during the search of his house, and an examination of the fitness of the drugs for use.

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