ECtHR obliges Azerbaijan’s authorities to pay compensation to journalist Eynulla Fatullaev

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has pronounced a decision in the case of “Eynulla Fatullaev vs. Azerbaijan” and recognized the violation of the journalist’s rights to a fair trial. The ECtHR obliged the Azerbaijan’s authorities to pay to Eynulla Fatullaev the compensation in the amount of 4000 euros.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on April 20, 2007, Eynulla Fatullaev was sentenced to 2.5 years of imprisonment on the charge of defamation about the Khodjaly tragedy. Later, a new criminal case was opened against Eynulla Fatullaev under the articles on threat of terrorism, on inciting ethnic, racial and religious hatred using official position, and on tax evasion. On October 30, 2007, Eynulla Fatullaev was sentenced to 8.5 years of imprisonment.

On April 22, 2010, the ECtHR declared the sentences against Eynulla Fatullaev illegal and demanded his release and payment of compensation. The authorities of Azerbaijan disagreed with the demands and filed an appeal, but the ECtHR upheld the decision.

The journalist remained in custody in connection with a case under the article on illegal possession of drugs instituted against him on December 31, 2009. On May 26, 2011, Eynulla Fatullaev was released from prison in accordance with a presidential decree on pardoning.