The US State Department responded to the information inquiry of Congressman James Moran regarding the arrest of Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli. The US is still concerned about the arrest of the young bloggers, according to “Turan” correspondent in Washington.
On 24 August, Congressman James Moran appealed to State Secretary Hillary Clinton asking to defend Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli’s violated rights to freedom of speech.
Reporters’ Without Borders appealed to judge Araz Huseynov who is considering the case of Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli urging him to release the young bloggers.
“We reiterate our call for the release of Hajizadeh and Milli,” the press freedom organisation said. “They were arrested for political reasons and the charges brought against them are clearly baseless.”
The appeal can be viewed here:
http://www.rsf.org/Court-confirms-pre-trial-detention.html
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, 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. The investigation of the criminal case was concluded and a criminal case under articles 221.2.1 (hooliganism) and 127 (inflicting intentional minor bodily harm) was opened against E.Millli and A.Hajizade and the case was sent to court to be considered.