Kenan Zeynalov called the criminal case fabricated

As reported by the " Caucasian Knot ," in late October, Zeynalov's associates reported that his rights were being violated in pretrial detention. He was unjustifiably  denied visits  and phone calls with his family.

On December 11, a hearing on Zeynalov's case was held at the Baku Court of Grave Crimes, presided over by Judge Mahira Kerimova. Zeynalov's lawyer, Nazim Musayev, told a Caucasian Knot correspondent that his client's testimony was heard at the trial.

"In fact, we petitioned for Anar Rahimov, who was recognized as the victim, to testify in court first," the lawyer said.

The essence of the motion was that if Ragimov was telling the truth, it made no difference to him which order he spoke. "However, the prosecutor and the judge stated that if Kenan Zeynalov did not testify first, it would be considered a 'refusal to testify.' Therefore, Zeynalov testified before the court," Musayev continued.

 According to him, Zeynalov stated that there was no knife on the day of the incident, and therefore he did not injure anyone.

"Kenan Zeynalov said it was Ramadan and he was planning to go to the mosque that evening after fasting. However, as soon as he left the house, a man approached him and claimed that Zeynalov had used obscene language toward him. Kenan Zeynalov, sensing something was wrong, tried to move away, but the man blocked his path. The man then picked Zeynalov up and threw him onto the pavement. Police officers immediately appeared, and the man lay down on the pavement. The police told Zeynalov that he had stabbed the victim," the lawyer continued.

At the trial, Zeynalov indicated that he, a 60-year-old man, could not have injured a 36-year-old man of athletic build weighing 120 kilograms.

Zeynalov believes that a planned provocation was carried out against him and that the prosecution, presented as the victim, is fulfilling this role either for “material interests” or “in order to relieve him of any responsibility.”  

"Kenan Zeynalov said that he has been held in custody for nine months now, despite being innocent," Musayev said.

 The lawyer pointed out the lack of credible evidence against his client. "By a strange coincidence, police and an ambulance were at the scene of the incident. On the other hand, if Zeynalov had injured a man and his life was in danger, then why wasn't the 'victim' taken to the nearest medical facility in the Surakhani district, but rather transported from the outskirts – the Yeni Guneshli residential area – to the central Nasimi district? There's no evidence that Zeynalov owned the 'crime weapon,' the knife. And why on earth would Zeynalov have injured this man?" the lawyer emphasized.

The court hearing will continue on December 25.

An employee of the Baku Court of Grave Crimes confirmed the hearing in Zeynalov's case. Representatives of the investigative body were unavailable for comment.