Editor-in-chief of Azerbaijani website "criminalaz" website denies accusations at trial

The website "criminalaz.com" has caused the government's dissatisfaction, which led to initiation of a case on appeals against the state, Anar Mamedov, the editor-in-chief of the website, has stated. By posting critical articles, Mamedov exercised his right to the freedom of speech, guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), said his advocate. An expert in the field of media rights has called the Mamedov's case a "new trend" in prosecution of journalists.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on November 30, 2018, Anar Mamedov, the editor-in-chief of the website "criminalaz.com", was accused of public appeals against the state, abuse of office and service forgery.

"I am accused that by having published articles about the attempted assassination of the head of the city of Ganja, Elmar Veliev, I made calls against the state and discredited state bodies," said Mamedov.

He believes that he is being prosecuted for his journalistic activities.

"Our website posted materials about corruption and violations of citizens' rights," he has explained.

Alesker Mamedli, an expert in the media law, has reminded about the practice of restricting the freedom of expression on the Internet, which appeared after blocking websites in 2016.