Hearing of the case of Leila Yunus in Azerbaijan postponed till January 26

Today, the Nasimin district court of Baku, chaired by Shakhin Abdyllaev, started a preliminary hearing on the suit by Ramil Usubov, head of Azeri MoI, against Leila Yunus, director of the Institute of Peace and Democracy.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports that the preliminary hearing was attended by numerous representatives of the local community and embassies of foreign states, such as USA, France, Germany, Norway, Great Britain, and OSCE mission. 

Lawyer Isakhan Ashurov who represents the interests of Leila Yunus filed a petition to dismiss the suit due to its groundlessness.

He also stated that Leila Yunus' address was stated wrongly in the claim. Specifically, the claim contains the address of the IPD rather than the home address of Leila Yunus. Therefore, the case must be heard at her place of residence, Yasamal district court of Baku. 

However, Dableika Kuliev, representative of the plaintiff, stated that the claim was "grounded" and requested the hearing to be continued. Upon a deliberation, the judge announced that the preliminary hearing would be resumed on Monday, January 26.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent asked lawyer Dableika Kuliev, on what conditions the MoI head may withdraw his claim. The latter answered that the minister insisted on a refutation of the Yunus" statement, while the issue of compensations may "be discussed later".

In his turn, lawyer Isakhan Ashurov stated that no apology or refutation should be expected. "We are going to fight for the dismissal of the case", he said.

The letter in protection of Leila Yunus written by Svetlana Gannushkina, chair of the committee "Civil Assistance", and addressed to Polad Bulbul-Ogly, Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Azerbaijan in Russia, runs that criticism of the authorities should not be regarded as an insult, while individuals only, rather than law enforcement agencies, are entitled to seek protection of honor and dignity.

The "Caucasian Knot" reported earlier that Ramil Usubov, head of Azeri MoI had filed a law suit against Leila Yunus, director of the Institute of Peace and Democracy (IPD). The claim was based on the interview published on December 3 at the Day.Az internet portal.

Ramil Usubov claims that the text "On the issues of protecting human rights and basic freedoms, Azeri courts in most cases adopt illegitimate and ungrounded decisions" contains slander towards police and causes damage to business reputation. The minister of internal affairs wants a refutation to be published, an apology to the MoI by Yunus to be offered and a compensation in the amount of 100,000 manats (about 120,000 dollars) for moral damage to be paid.

The Federation of Human Rights Organizations of Azerbaijan made a statement in which it calls on the Nasimin court to dismiss the MoI head claim against Yunus due to its groundlessness.