Azerbaijani journalist released from police

Zakhir Amanov, a founder and editor-in-chief of the Azerbaijani news website “Cenub.az”, suspected of extortion of money, was released from custody for the period of the investigation.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on the afternoon of April 13, the police detained Zakhir Amanov at the editorial office in the Masalli District. A criminal case was instituted against him under Article 182.1 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan (extortion through threats).

The heads of a number of journalistic organizations and the media appealed to Vilayat Eyvazov, Minister of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan, in connection with the detention of Zakhir Amanov. The activists asked the Minister not to detain the journalist for the period of the investigation.

“For many years we have known Zakhir Amanov as the head of one of the leading regional media in Azerbaijan, an experienced, decent journalist, and we do not believe that he was extorting money from anyone,” the activists state in their appeal to Vilayat Eyvazov.

“Given the great role of Zakhir Amanov in the development of regional journalism, as well as his advanced age, we ask you not to detain him for the period of the investigation,” the appeal requests.

Advocate Elchin Sadygov has informed the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent that Zakhir Amanov has been released from custody today, around noon. “Our motion has been granted, and Zakhir Amanov will remain at large for the period of the investigation, taking into account his advanced age and authority in society,” Elchin Sadygov explained.

The advocate notes that Zakhir Amanov does not plead guilty. Elchin Sadygov has also added that the defence will insist on the termination of the criminal case.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on April 15, 2022 at 01:45 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.