Yesterday, March 16, Ayanda Murselaliyeva visited her husband, Azadlig Newspaper Editor-in-Chief Ganimat Zahid in Prison #17. Murselaliyeva told this to the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety.
According to Murselaliyeva, she has to wait at the prison a little to meet with her husband, because representative from the Norwegian Embassy and OSCE were visiting the Prison where Ganimat is being kept. “I was able to meet with Ganimat after these representatives left,” said Murselaliyeva. “They came to learn about the chief editor’s prison conditions, health and situation.” Murselaliyeva also noted that Elchin Behbudov, chairperson of the Azerbaijan Committee Against Torture also participated in the visit.
Regarding the amnesty decree that is expected to be signed in the near future in connection with Novruz, Zahid told his wife, “This act is not oriented towards political prisoners, and therefore it should in no way affect the appointment of special rapporteur by PACE.”
Ganimat Zahid was convicted under articles 127.2.3 (hooliganism with intentional infliction of minor bodily harm) and 221 (hooliganism) of the Criminal Code and imprisoned for four years. The charges against G. Zahid are widely regarded as spurious.
Regarding the amnesty decree that is expected to be signed in the near future in connection with Novruz, Zahid told his wife, “This act is not oriented towards political prisoners, and therefore it should in no way affect the appointment of special rapporteur by PACE.”
Ganimat Zahid was convicted under articles 127.2.3 (hooliganism with intentional infliction of minor bodily harm) and 221 (hooliganism) of the Criminal Code and imprisoned for four years. The charges against G. Zahid are widely regarded as spurious.