A verdict is issued against the young bloggers
Today the Sabail District Court, under the chairmanship of Judge Araz Huseynov, issued a verdict in the criminal case opened under article 221.2.1(hooliganism) and 127 (inflicting intentional minor bodily harm) against young bloggers Emin Abdullayev (Millli) and Adnan Hajizade. Emin Milli was sentenced to 2,5 years imprisonment and Adnan Hajizade - to 2 years imprisonment.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009, by Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS)
During the hearing, the state plaintiff spoke first and asked the court to issue a verdict to sentence Emin Milli to 3, 5 years imprisonment and Adnan Hajizade to 3 years imprisonment.
Bloggers' lawyers Isakhan Ashurov and Elton Guliyev stated that they were confident that the court would adopt a politically motivated decision. Both of the lawyers stated that the bloggers were innocent and asked the court to release them.
Adnan Hajizade said, "It was international youth day yesterday. The verdict issued against us is a present from Azerbaijan?s government to young people and an indication of its attitude towards the youth."
Emin Milli said that this verdict did not mean anything to him, because he knew that it would be politically motivated. "The major issue is to live an honest life," emphasized Milli.
Injured party Vusal Hasanov stated that he regretted the imprisonment of the bloggers, but stressed that they received fair punishment.
Isakhan Ashurov and Elton Guliyev said that they will file an appeal against the verdict.
Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS)
