Today, 26 July, in the Garadagh District Court, under the chairmanship of Judge Rufan Mursalov, a hearing was held on the lawsuit of youth blogger Adnan Hajizade regarding his early release. Representatives of prison #14 Natig Hajiyev and Ali Nabiyev, Adnan Hajizade, and his lawyer Isakhan Ashurov took part in the hearing.
The representatives of prison #14 stated that Adnan Hajizade has a controversial character, and he meets with his lawyer frequently. Therefore, they asked the court not to fulfill the lawsuit. In addition, the prison representatives stated that Hajizade was not sorry for what he did and did not participate in cleaning duties.
Attorney Isakhan Ashurov said that all these complaints were excuses and called on the judge to release Hajizade ahead of his term in accordance with the Execution of the Punishment Code.
The judge issued a decision to not fulfill the lawsuit.
Ashurov evaluated the decision of the court negatively and stated that they will appeal the decision.
On 8 July, at approximately 8:00 p.m., Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade were sitting at a table in “Lebonese” (Livan) restaurant along with several other young adults, when two people who looked like sportsmen came up to them, and attacked them causing physical injuries. Although they appealed to the police as victims, the police detained Adnan and Emin as suspected persons for 48 hours and freed the attackers. On 10 July, Sabail District Court Judge Rauf Ahmadov issued a decision under article 221.2.1 (hooliganism) of the Criminal Code to sentence Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade to a two-month pre-trial detention. On July 20, the Appellate Court upheld the decision of the lower court. The investigation of the criminal case was concluded and a criminal case under articles 221.2.1 (hooliganism) and 127 (inflicting intentional minor bodily harm) was opened against E.Millli and A.Hajizade and the case was sent to the court to be considered. According to the verdict of the Sabail district Court, Emin Milli was sentenced to 2,5 years imprisonment and Adnan Hajizade to 2 years imprisonment on 11 November. On 10 March, the Baku Appellate Court adopted a decision to uphold the verdict of the Sabail District Court. Local and international organizations recognized the youth bloggers as prisoners of conscience.