Summary: First Hearing (September 4)
· The objection by Rauf Mirgadirov’s lawyer to the judge was considered and accepted;
· The case was heard by Nasimi District Court judge Azer Pashayev;
· Rauf Mirgadirov’s detention period was extended.
On September 4, Nasimi District Court considered the extension of the pretrial detention of journalist Rauf Mirgadirov. The hearing was held behind closed doors. Mirgadirov was brought to court for the hearing.
The court heard the objection filed by Mirgadirov’s lawyer, Elmar Suleymanov, to the judge assigned to the case, Shalala Hasanova. Suleymanov argued that Hasanova had previously ruled to extend Rauf Mirgadirov’s detention term. The objection was accepted and a new judge, Azer Pashayev, was assigned.
Judge Pashayev ruled to extend Migadirov’s detention term until November 16.
Journalist Rauf Mirgadirov was detained in Turkey on April 19 2014 and deported to Azerbaijan. He was arrested upon arrival and charged with treason (Article 274 of the Criminal Code).
Initially detained for three months, Mirgadirov’s detention period was subsequently extended several times. It was last extended for four months on May 6 2015, by Nasimi District court.