Today, 5 May, in the headquarters of Yeni Musavat, the Defense Committee for the Rights of Yeni Musavat Newspaper Deputy Editor-in-chief Azer Aykhan held a meeting.
The Chairman of the Defense Committee for Azer Aykhan`s rights, MP Ikram Israfil said that about 30 people – media representatives, human rights defenders, lawyers, and other persons appealed to the committee to become members. He emphasized that an official represented in the administration intends to imprison Azer Aykhan.
The members of the Committee – human rights defender Chingiz Ganizade, journalist Shahveled Chobanoglu, MPs Panah Huseyn, Arzu Samadbeyli and others touched upon the importance of decriminalizing defamation articles. They condemned the decision against Azer Aykhan that bans him to leave his living area. They suggested that this decision should be examined legally with the participation of several lawyers and be published in the press.
Imprisoned Editor-in-chief of Ideal newspaper Nazim Guliyev and Bine Trade Center Deputy Director Dilshad Amirova appealed to the Nizami District Court seeking for A.Aykhan to be held responsible under article 147.2 (accusing someone in grave or especially grave crimes) and 148 (insult) of the Criminal Code. Nizami District Court accepted this lawsuit for consideration and Azer Aykhan was asked to give a written statement that he will not leave his living area. The next hearing on this case will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow.
Yeni Musavat newspaper has been published since 1993 and operates as daily newspaper and has large circulation.