Mirza Sakit: a new victim of the regime?

The case of Mirza Sakit, a satirical writer, whose critical poems against corruption and high ranking officials used to appear in the newspapers Azadlig, Bizim Yol, and Baki Bulvari newspapers, has been the center of public attention for last 2 months (18-AUG-2006)

Written by HRH/Shahla Ismailova on the basis of materials from Turan Information Agency, the Committee to Defend the Rights of S.Zahidov; photos – the same sources

Official charges
Arrested on June 23, satirical journalist Sakit Zahidov (Mirza Sakit) has been charged under Article 234.4.3 of Azerbaijan´s Criminal Code (purchase of a large quantity of drugs, narcotics and/or psychotropic substances, with intent to sell). Zahidov could be imprisoned for five to 12 years, and his property could be confiscated. According to the prosecution´s materials, Zahidov bought from an “unknown source” 9.264 grams of artificially produced heroine, with the intent to sell it. Seven witnesses gave testimony on the case.

Innocence
The Committee to Defend the Rights of Sakit Zahidov, headed by Emin Huseynov, carried out the investigation, which showed that he is absolutely innocent and has never taken narcotics or been involved in their sale. In addition to this, the committee determined that the drugs found in his pocket, were planted there by police at the time of his arrest.

Emin Huseynov (on the right), the Committee´s chairman, said that Zahidov´s arrest was not accidental, two months before it Ali Ahmedov, secretary of Yeni Azerbaijan (the ruling party), said it was necessary to shut Zahidov´s mouth through any mean possible. Lawyer Vugar Khasayev said that Sakit Zahidov´s arrest was groundless and there were serious violations during his detention.

Appeals
The Committee to Defend the Rights of Sakit Zahidov has sent appeals to the President, General Prosecutor and ministries of national security, justice and health. In the appeals it was requested to meet with the Committee representatives to present their evidence of Zahidov´s innocence. However there has been no reaction from the government of Azerbaijan regarding the meeting.

International support
Reporters without Borders, Amnesty International, the Committee to Protect Journalists, Article 19, Helsinki Citizens´ Assembly, the International Press Institute and other similar organizations have on numerous occasions stated that the accusations against Sakit Zahidov are untrue and called for Azerbaijan´s government to release him.