
Zahid’s defense lawyer Elchin Sadigov told the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety that the hearing has been postponed until 26 August at 10:30 a.m. because the judge is on vacation.
On 7 March 2008, on the basis of a verdict issued by Yasamal District Court Judge Sadaba Mammedova, Zahid was sentenced 3.5 years of imprisonment under article 127.2.3 of Criminal Code (hooliganism with infliction of minor bodily harm), and 6 months under article 221 (hooliganism) – 4 years altogether. Appellate Court Judge Abid Abdinbayov upheld this decision on 13 May 2008.