[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Baku Court of Appeal (BCA), chaired by Hasan Ahmedov, today rejected an appeal against the arrest of investigative journalist Hafiz Babala. The editor of the economic department of the Turan agency, Hafiz Babaly, was detained on December 13 on charges of “smuggling foreign currency.” He is involved in the case of journalists from “Abzas Media.” On December 14, the Khatai District Court decided to pre-sentence Babala for a period of 3 months.
The defense asked to reverse the decision on Babaly’s pre-trial detention, since the investigation did not provide sufficient evidence to detain the journalist, lawyer Rasul Jafarov said. However, the court dismissed the appeal.
The defense will continue measures to change the measure of restraint and will file a petition to transfer Babaly to house arrest.
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