Azadlyg opposition newspaper's editor-in-chief Ganimat Zahid sentenced to four-year imprisonment for hooliganism - UPDATED

10.03.08

13:24

"Yasamal district court should have passed a verdict of not guilty on the case of Ganimat Zahid, editor-in-chief of the Azadlyg newspaper, as his guilt has not been proven yet".

The due announcement was made by Zahid's defender Elchin Sadikhov.

He said it is not clear whether Zahid beat Vusal Gasanov, or the latter had physical damages before the fight.

"As for the unjust decision, the court should have pondered over the reason of imprisonment. If Zahid was released, wouldn't he be able to correct the mistake? The court should have been asked this question, however, it did not occur", Sadikhov said.

He noted that the lawyers contacted the court and were reported that the verdict will be declared next week.

"Zahid was secretly brought to the court and the verdict was declared. The decision of the court does not correspond to his personality", the defender said.

He noted that according to judge Sudaba Mamedova, the decision passing was scheduled for an indefinite period.

---------------
07.03.08

13:37

Judge Sudaba Mammadova presided over the case.

The editor-in-chief’s lawyer Rashid Hajili told APA that the trial was held in absentia of the lawyers. The court sentenced Ganimat Zahid to four-year imprisonment and Vusal Hasanov to 18-month imprisonment.

Public Prosecutor had demanded 5-year imprisonment for Ganimat Zahid and 2-year imprisonment for Vugar Hasanov. They faced charges under articles 127.2.3 (inflicting minor bodily harm) and 221.1 (hooliganism) of the Criminal Code.

/APA/