Today, August 7, in the Yasamal District Court under the chairmanship of Judge Tahir Ismayilov, a hearing was conducted on soldier Ali Yusifov’s lawsuit against “Gundalik Baki” Newspaper’s Chief Editor Habil Valiyev .
“Gundalik Baki” Editor Adil Huseynli told this to the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety.
According to Huseynli the indictment was read and then witnesses and the plaintiff made statements. “The witnesses all made statements and contradicted each other,” said Huseynli. “In previous hearings soldier Yusifov said that he did not know Habil Valiyev and the soldier again expressed this.” According to Huseynli the claims are bogus and this lawsuit was filed against Valiyev at the order of the Defense Ministry.
Recall that “Gundalik Baki” Newspaper Chief Editor is accused under articles 188 (violating civil rights related to land) and 315.1 (using force against a government representative carrying out his duty) of the Criminal Code. According to the lawsuit, Valiyev constructed a pavilion for weddings and funerals in land that was given to the Defense Ministry. On 25 February of this year, soldiers from the Defense Ministry’s Apartment Exploitation Service were demolishing the pavilion, when Valiyev allegedly injured Yusifova, crushing his pinky finger.
The trial will continue on 18 March at 11 a.m.