“Ideal” Newspaper Editor-in-Chief Ali Hasanov, who was included in the amnesty act adopted by Milli Mejlis on 17 March, has not been released yet. The Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety was told this by Ali Hasanov’s spouse Narmina Hasanova today (9 April). According to Hasanova, A. Hasanov was supposed to stay in Investigation Department #1 for 20 days after the court trial.

However, he has been sent to Prison #5 in Salyan. Azerbaijan Republic’s Chief Prosecutor’s Office has asked Prison #5 to give an explanation in connection with Hasanov’s transfer and to prepare his documents. After the explanation is given, the chief editor can be released.
An employee from Prison #5, who wished to remain unidentified, told IRFS that the prisoners included in the amnesty act are released one by one and A.Hasanov will be freed in two or three days.
Hasanov’s prison term ends in one month.
A. Hasanov was accused under articles 147.2 and 148 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan Republic and was sentenced to 6 months of imprisonment on 14 November 2008.