Today, 20 July, in the Baku Appellate Court, under the chairmanship of Judge Mirpasha Huseynov, a hearing was held on the appeal against the decision of the Azizbayov District Court on the lawsuit asking to free imprisoned “Bizim Yol” Newspaper correspondent Mushfig Huseynov from the rest of his sentence due to his health problems. The Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety was told this by Huseynov’s lawyer Isakhan Ashurov. The court rejected Huseynov’s lawsuit, said Ashurov.
“The judge did not fulfill the lawsuit and adopted a decision to uphold the decision of the Azizbayov Distrcit Court,” said Ashurov emphasizing that they will file a cassation complaint against the decision of the Appellate Court.
Although the hearing was held open, IRFS employee was not allowed to enter the Appellate Court. Court employees stated that the lawyer had to put forth a motion so mass media representatives and monitors can participate in the hearing. I.Ashurov told IRFS that not permitting the monitors to an open hearing is law violation.
Javidan Huseynov told IRFS that Mushfig Huseynov’s problem with newspaper deliveries has been solved. Mushfig Huseynov wanted to read “Bizim Yol”, “Ekho”, and “Zerkalo” newspapers. However, prison employees told him that the Penitentiary Services do not give permission to deliver the newspapers. Justice Ministry Penitentiary Services Public Relations Department Head Mehman Sadigov told IRFS that he would solve the problem. J.Huseynov emphasized that Mushfig Huseynov has already been given conditions to read the newspapers he wants.
Although the hearing was held open, IRFS employee was not allowed to enter the Appellate Court. Court employees stated that the lawyer had to put forth a motion so mass media representatives and monitors can participate in the hearing. I.Ashurov told IRFS that not permitting the monitors to an open hearing is law violation.
Javidan Huseynov told IRFS that Mushfig Huseynov’s problem with newspaper deliveries has been solved. Mushfig Huseynov wanted to read “Bizim Yol”, “Ekho”, and “Zerkalo” newspapers. However, prison employees told him that the Penitentiary Services do not give permission to deliver the newspapers. Justice Ministry Penitentiary Services Public Relations Department Head Mehman Sadigov told IRFS that he would solve the problem. J.Huseynov emphasized that Mushfig Huseynov has already been given conditions to read the newspapers he wants.
Mushfig Huseynov was convicted under Article 311.1 (receiving of a bribe) of the Criminal Code and on 21 January 2008 was sentenced by Grave Crimes Court Judge Jamal Ramazanov to 6 years of imprisonment, followed by 2 year ban on his writing activity. However, this sentence was reduced to 5 years through a decision adopted by Appellate Court Judge Sahibkhan Mirzayev on 4 April 2008.