Today (3 July) “Alma” newspaper writer Elnur Astanbeyli reported to the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety that he was subjected to prejudice.
On 18 December 2007 Baku Appellate Court Judge Elmira Nagiyeva fulfilled Astanbeyli’s lawsuit partially and reduced the amount of the fine to 5,000 AZN. He said he wasn’t informed about this hearing either and that is why didn’t participate in it. At the end of May Astanbeyli only found out about the decision after he received the decision of the court. Therefore, the term to file a cassation complaint has also been passed.
“I haven’t been informed about the hearing which was held on 18 December. Besides, the decision was sent to me too late. The date shown on the post envelope is 27 May 2008. 3 months have passed since the term to file a cassation complaint is over,” Astanbeyli said. He added that he evaluates this as injustice against him and emphasized that he is investigating this matter.