The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a statement regarding the Azerbaijani court’s decision to deny early release to jailed video blogger Adnan Hajizade. The statement called on the appeals court to set him free.
For more information on CPJ and Reporters Without Borders's statements, see the links below:
http://cpj.org/2010/07/in-azerbaijan-imprisoned-blogger-denied-freedom.php
http://en.rsf.org/azerbaijan-first-anniversary-of-arrest-of-07-07-2010,37894.html
On 8 July 2009, at approximately 8:00 p.m., Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade were sitting at a table in “Lebonese” (Livan) restaurant along with several other young adults, when two people who looked like sportsmen came up to them and attacked them causing physical injuries. Although they appealed to the police as victims, the police detained Hajizade and Milli as suspected persons for 48 hours and freed the attackers. On 10 July 2009, Sabail District Court Judge Rauf Ahmadov issued a decision under article 221.2.1 (hooliganism) of the Criminal Code to sentence Milli and Hajizade to a two-month pre-trial detention. On July 20 2009, the Appellate Court upheld the decision of the lower court. The investigation of the criminal case was concluded and a criminal case under articles 221.2.1 (hooliganism) and 127 (inflicting intentional minor bodily harm) was opened against E.Millli and A.Hajizade and the case was sent to the court to be considered. According to the verdict of the Sabail district Court, Emin Milli was sentenced to 2,5 years imprisonment and Adnan Hajizade to 2 years imprisonment on 11 November. On 10 March, the Baku Appellate Court adopted a decision to uphold the verdict of the Sabail District Court. Local and international organizations recognized the youth bloggers as prisoners of conscience.