Today, 24 July, in the Nasimi District court, under the chairmanship of Judge Elmar Karimov, a preliminary hearing was held on “Khazar-Lankaran” Football Club President Mais Masimov’s lawsuit against “FANAT.AZ” sports website project head Zahir Azamat and sports writer Natig Mukhtarli in the special format under articles 147.2 (accusing someone in grave or especially grave crimes) and 148 (insult) of the Criminal Code. The Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety was told this by N.Mukhtarli.

Defense lawyer of Fanat.az Khalid Bagirov said that the lawsuit against Zahir Azamat does not have any legal basis. The lawyer of the opposite party Mahir Niftaliyev asked the court to give them some time to think about it and to identify whom to sue.
The hearing was postponed until 31 July at 3:00 p.m.
Claiming that his honor and dignity were insulted in Natig Mukhtarli’s column articles placed on “FANAT.AZ” sports website, Mais Masimov filed a lawsuit against Zahir Azamat and Natig Mukhtarli in the special format.