The Baku Court of Grave Crimes announced the completion of judicial investigation into blogger Rashad Ramazanov’s case at today’s hearing.
The blogger’s lawyer Azer Nagiyev filed a petition for fingerprint examination to determine whether his client’s finger marks existed on the drug bags allegedly found on him. The prosecutor objected to the motion, saying that the marks might have worn away, for a long time has passed since Ramazanov’s arrest on May 9 and also different people have touched the bag. The court denied the motion. Then the judge announced conclusion of the judicial probe and gave the floor to public prosecutor, who requested time to prepare his speech. The next court hearing is scheduled for October 30, 4:00pm.
Background: Blogger Rashad Ramazanov (Rashad Hagigat Agaaddin) was detained on May 9, near the “January 20” metro station and taken to the Department for Combating Organized Crime. The police reportedly found 9 grams of heroin on the blogger. Ramazanov rejects the charges. Once convicted, the blogger can face confiscation of property and imprisonment for 12 years. On May 20th the blogger was transferred to Baku Investigative Prison.
The blogger used his Facebook page to criticize ruling regime on the issues related to freedom and justice (http://on.fb.me/12G0WJE)