On 15 June, Ayanda Mursaliyeva visited her husband, imprisoned “Azadlig” Newspaper Editor-in-Chief Ganimat Zahid in Prison #17. The Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety was told this by A. Mursaliyeva.
Ganimat’s health is normal and he does not have any complaints about prison conditions, according to Mursaliyeva.
Mursaliyeva noted that Zahid does not believe thoughts about the pardon decree expected for journalists on 22 July – the National Press Day and thinks they are deceptive promises.
Mursaliyeva noted that Zahid does not believe thoughts about the pardon decree expected for journalists on 22 July – the National Press Day and thinks they are deceptive promises.
“Ganimat wants to appeal to court since he has already served 1/3 of his term,” said A. Mursaliyeva. “Not once has he violated rules in prison. But as you know, this is not considered for journalists who were arrested on political orders.”
Ganimat Zahid was convicted under articles 127.2.3 (hooliganism with intentional infliction of minor bodily harm) and 221 (hooliganism) of the Criminal Code and imprisoned for four years. This charges widely understood to be spurious and Zahid is considered a prisoner of conscience.