LAWYERS OF YOUNG BLOGGERS SUE FOUR GOVERNMENT ORGANS

Yesterday, 30 July, lawyers of young arrested bloggers – Isakhan Ashurov and Elton Guliyev filed lawsuits in the Sabail District Court against the Internal Affairs Minister, the Chief Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic, Baku City Chief Police Department and Baku City Prosecutor’s Office, according to “Turan” Information Agency. Lawyer Isakhan Ashurov told “Turan” the lawsuits stem from the statements of these organs on 11 and 14 July 2009. 

“In these statements Hajizade and Milli have been declared guilty; however, they can be declared guilty only by the court,” said Ashurov. “The court has not issued a verdict yet. In the statements presumption of innocence of Hajizade and Milli was violated and this is against article 6.2 of the European Human Rights Convention.
Lawyer I.Ashurov added that he visited A.Hajizade and E.Milli in prison on 30 July. “Although they did not complain about prison conditions, they are very disappointed that they are not allowed to see their relatives.”

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 Judge Rauf Ahmadov 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. Both Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade are being held in the Investigative Prison of Baku.