23:58, 27 August 2021

Gasanov’s defence accuses court of obstructing work of journalists

Eldar Gasanov. Photo by the press service of the International Foundation for Sustainable Peace and Development (IFSPD)

The court postponed the hearing in a case against former Azerbaijani ambassador Eldar Gasanov with reference to a formal reason. Journalists working for independent media were not allowed into the courtroom, an advocate reported.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on August 2, Eldar Gasanov was placed in a hospital of the State Security Service of Azerbaijan after he felt bad in a SIZO (pre-trial prison). The defence requested the General Prosecutor’s Office to release the defendant in connection with the deterioration of his health state. On August 9, the Eldar Gasanov’s defence again requested the General Prosecutor’s Office to change the pre-trial restriction measure for the former Azerbaijani ambassador for medical treatment in the clinic. By August 16, new charges were brought against Eldar Gasanov, and now he faces up to 10 years of imprisonment.

On August 13, 2020, Eldar Gasanov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, was detained on the charge of misuse of budget funds and abuse of power. Eldar Gasanov pleaded not guilty, and human rights defenders associated his prosecution with his political ambitions.

According to advocate Djavad Djavadov, the trial began in violation of the principle of transparency. “Only representatives of two pro-government TV channels and two pro-government news agencies were allowed into the courtroom,” Djavad Djavadov said.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on August 27, 2021 at 05:02 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

Author: Faik Medjid

Source: CK correspondent