Baku Court of Appeal, chaired by Judge Gail Mammadov, heard an appeal by journalist Aynur Elgunash, a contributor to online television Meydan TV, against the ban on her exit from the country. The appeal had been filed against Nasimi District Court’s decision of April 26, 2016. Nasimi Court had rejected the journalist’s complaint against the travel ban.
The hearing, which was held behind closed doors, was attended by journalist’s lawyer Elchin Sadigov.
According to the lawyer, the representative of the Serious Crimes Investigation Department of the Prosecutor General’s Office failed to show up for hearing once again.
Elchin Sadigov said that their appeal was denied and Nasimi District Court’s decision of April 26, 2016 was upheld.
The lawyer added that he believed that Baku Appeal Court’s decision was unlawful and unfounded and that he would therefore appeal to the European Court.
Background: The international travel ban against journalist Aynur Elgunash has been imposed as part of the criminal case #152006048, which has been launched against Meydan TV officials under Articles 192.2.2, 213.2.2 and 308.2 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan Republic and is investigated by the Serious Crimes Investigation Department of the Prosecutor General’s Office. Other journalists collaborating with Meydan TV have also faced foreign travel bans.