On 15th April, Sumgayit City Court postponed a preliminary hearing that was planned for today on the criminal case launched against Azerbaijan Popular Front Party youth member Jabbar Savalanli for drug possession.
The Judge Ilgar Mammadov presided.
Lawyer Anar Gasimov told Objective TV that the hearing was delayed as this defendant was provided with the statement of accusation too late. According to lawyer, prosecuted person should be provided with it at least a week prior to the trial. Therefore, the preliminary hearing was rescheduled for 22 April.
BACKGROUND
Azerbaijan Popular Front Party member Jabbar Savalanli was arrested on February 5, 2011. He is being charged with drug possession, but it is widely thought that his arrest was politically motivated, linked to criticism of the government he posted on social networking sites.
Lawyer Anar Gasimov told Objective TV that the hearing was delayed as this defendant was provided with the statement of accusation too late. According to lawyer, prosecuted person should be provided with it at least a week prior to the trial. Therefore, the preliminary hearing was rescheduled for 22 April.
BACKGROUND
Azerbaijan Popular Front Party member Jabbar Savalanli was arrested on February 5, 2011. He is being charged with drug possession, but it is widely thought that his arrest was politically motivated, linked to criticism of the government he posted on social networking sites.