Court of Appeal to Announce Its Decision on Blogger Mehman Huseynov Tomorrow

On 11 April, Baku Court of Appeal chaired by Judge Vagif Mursagulov heard the appeal filed against Surakhani District Court’s judgment on blogger Mehman Huseynov. The hearing was attended by mass media representatives, socio-political figures, and representatives of civil society, international organisations and diplomatic corps. Due to the smallness of the courtroom, many of those wishing to attend had to wait outside. Mehman himself was also present at the hearing. His rights were defended by lawyers Fuad Agayev, Elchin Sadigov and Shahla Humbatova.

The defence’s objection to the jury composition was discussed. The judge said the court chairman had not granted the objection.

Elchin Sadigov and Shahla Humbatova noted that the charges were trumped-up, that Mehman was punished for his professional activities, filming the mansions of officials obtained through corruption, and that he was targeted by the authorities in his capacity as the chairman of the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS).

Mehman Huseynov emphasised that he had been framed and arrested for his journalistic and blogging activities. He has been tortured in police custody.

Fuad Agayev said the case had been examined through procedural violations. The defence asked the court to acquit the blogger, while the private prosecution party’s representative E. Habilov requested that the appeal be rejected.

The decision will be announced on 12 April, 10.00 am.