Today, 7 October, in the Nasimi District court, under the chairmanship of Judge Elmar Karimov, a verdict was issued against “FANAT.AZ” sports website project head Zahir Azamat and website sports writer Natig Mukhtarli on “Khazar-Lankaran” Football Club President Mais Masimov’s lawsuit under articles 147.2 (accusing someone of grave or especially grave crimes) and 148 (insult) of the Criminal Code.
The Institute for Reporter’ Freedom and safety was told this by Zahir Azamat.
According to the verdict, Natig Mukhtarli was sentenced to one year of corrective labor and Zahir Azamat was sentenced to six months of corrective labor. Both journalists have to pay 20% of their salaries to Mais Masimov. Z.Azamat told IRFS that they will file an appeal against the verdict.
Claiming that his honor and dignity were insulted in Natig Mukhtarli’s column on the “FANAT.AZ” sports website, Mais Masimov filed a lawsuit against Zahir Azamat and Natig Mukhtarli in the special format.