On May 14, Nasimi District Court considered the Prosecutor General Office’s submission to extend the detention of journalist Khadija Ismayilova.
The court granted the motion and extended the journalist’s detention period to August 24.
The journalist’s lawyer said that the submission for extension reiterated the Prosecutor’s previously stated concerns. The Prosecutor’s Office claims that Ismayilova may influence the witnesses and/or hide from the prosecuting authority. In addition, the investigative agency stated that it was necessary to obtain an expert opinion.
The lawyer added that a motion has been filed to replace detention with house arrest. The motion will be heard on May 15.
Khadija Ismayilova was arrested on 5 December 2014, on charges of inciting journalist Tural Mustafayev to suicide. On February 13, new charges were brought against her under articles 179.3.2 (misappropriation to a large amount), 192.2.2 (illegal entrepreneurship) and 308.2 (abuse of official powers).