Yesterday, 16 November, Norwegian and German Charges d'Affaires in Azerbaijan Lars Hansen and Peter Ziegler were invited to the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Foreign Affairs Ministry Press Service Head Elkhan Polukhov told the “Mediaforum” site that the employees of the embassies met with Deputy Minister Vaqif Sadigov.
Both diplomats stated that they will convey Azerbaijan’s stance on this issue to their official organizations.
Both embassies disseminated information condemning the decision adopted by the Sabail District Court regarding bloggers.
On 8 July, at approximately 8:00 p.m., Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade were sitting at a table in “Lebonese” (Livan) restaurant along with several other young adults, when two people that looked like sportsmen came up to them, and attacked them causing physical injuries. Although they appealed to police as victims, police detained Adnan and Emin as suspected persons for 48 hours and freed the attackers. On 10 July, the Sabail District Court issued a decision under article 221.2.1 (hooliganism) of the Criminal Code to sentence Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade to two months pre-trial detention. On July 20 the Appellate Court upheld the decision of the lower court. 11 November, the investigation opened criminal case under article 221.2.1(hooliganism) and 127 (inflicting intentional minor bodily harm) against young bloggers Emin Abdullayev (Millli) and Adnan Hajizade a verdict was issued. According to the verdict, Emin Milli was sentenced to 2,5 years imprisonment and Adnan Hajizade to 2 years imprisonment.