On 12 January, Baku Grave Crimes Court chaired by Judge Eldar Ismayilov held a hearing on the criminal case of Ilgar Aliyev, Chairman of “New Tomorrow” non-governmental organisation (NGO).
Speaking at the hearing, the prosecutor requested that Ilgar Aliyev be sentenced to 13 years in jail.
The next hearing was set for 24 January.
Background: New Tomorrow NGO Chairman Ilgar Aliyev was charged under Articles 179.3.2 (embezzlement), 192 (illegal business), 228.4 (illegal possession of a weapon) and 308 (abuse of official powers) of the Criminal Code after undeclared items were found in his baggage during a security screening at Baku airport.
While the journalist was passing through the customs control, employees found, documented and seized several pieces of contraband that he failed to declare. The contraband included hidden cameras, knives, and throwing stars.