The Human Rights House Foundation (Norway) International Human Rights Defense Organizations Network delivered a statement condemning the verdict regarding bloggers Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade. The Human Rights Defense Network that combined more tha 30 organizations voiced disapproval in the statement, and Azerbaijani government was called on to end violations against democracy.
In addition, in the statement the Human Rights House Network reminds the Azerbaijani authorities that freedom of expression is a fundamental principle of any democratic society, guaranteed by a number of international treaties (Article 19 of the UN Convention on Civil and Political Rights; and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights) to which Azerbaijan is a party. “Therefore, we urge the local authorities to abide by the national and international obligations to promote and protect the right to freedom of expression. The Human Rights House Network condemns the unfair verdict and calls upon the Government of Azerbaijan to re-open the investigation of the case and ensure a fair trial that complies with all international standards,” the statement reads.
Council of Europe Former Co-Rapporteur on Azerbaijan Andres Gross named the arrest of bloggers Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade disgraceful.
According to Radio Liberty, on 16 November, in Basel University, within the framework of Azerbaijan Cultural year in Switzerland, Andres Gross delivered a report for about two hours on the subject of “Azerbaijan – rich than oil, poor in democracy” in front of a large auditorium, and criticized Azerbaijan government.
Azerbaijan has the worst situation among 47 countries represented in the Council of Europe, stated Gross.
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.