Head of Azerbaijani MIA recalls his claim against Leila Yunus

Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Azerbaijan Ramil Usubov has recalled his claim against Leila Yunus, Director of the Institute for Peace and Democracy (IPD). In this context, the court sitting appointed for today at 11:00 a.m. local time under chairmanship of Judge Ragib Gurbanov did not take place.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was informed at the court office, the judicial proceeding on the case "was stopped because of reconciliation of the parties and recall of the claim by the claimant."

It is remarkable to note that one hour before the appointed time for the start of the trial the court office had stated that "the session is postponed till Tuesday, March 3, on mutual consent of the parties." However, at about 11:00 a.m., Isakhan Ashurov, Leila Yunus' advocate, was invited to the Judge and 10 minutes later, having left the Judge's office, confirmed the information about recall of the claim. Mr Asurov treated the recall as "a very good example on the part of Ramil Usubov."

Ramil Usubov, Interior Minister of Azerbaijan, filed the claim against Leila Yunus, Director of the IPD, after the interview placed on December 3, 2008, on the website "Day.az". Mr Usubov saw an insult and abuse to the MIA's reputation in the words of Leila Yunus that organized criminal groups acting under the roof of the MIA cannot be excluded.