Khural newspaper chief editor Avaz Zeynalli, currently serving his pre-trial detention in Baku investigative prison, finally managed to get permission to meet with his family, reports commercial director of Khural. Nizami Hasanli.
According to Hasanli, he repeatedly appealed to relevant structures to ensure a meeting for Zeynalli with his family, after the chief editor’s health had deteriorated. And only after lawyer Elchin Sadigov’s second appeal to judge Ramella Allahverdiyeva, Zeynalli was granted a permission to meet with his family.
Zeynalli last met with his family two months ago.
Avaz Zeynalli, the editor-in-chief of Khural, was arrested following a lawsuit brought by MP Gular Ahmadova on October 28th, 2011. The Anti-Corruption Office launched a criminal case against Zeynalli under article 311.3.3 (taking a large bribe) and article 311.3.4 (extortion). Later he was charged under article 306 (contempt of court) and article 213.1 (tax evasion). He has been held in Baku Investigative Prison for more than 10 months.
Zeynalli last met with his family two months ago.
Avaz Zeynalli, the editor-in-chief of Khural, was arrested following a lawsuit brought by MP Gular Ahmadova on October 28th, 2011. The Anti-Corruption Office launched a criminal case against Zeynalli under article 311.3.3 (taking a large bribe) and article 311.3.4 (extortion). Later he was charged under article 306 (contempt of court) and article 213.1 (tax evasion). He has been held in Baku Investigative Prison for more than 10 months.
Local and international human rights organizations strongly believe that the charges against Avaz Zeynalli are trumped-up and that he was arrested for his articles criticizing high-ranking state officials.