Editor-in-chief of "Nota" released in Azerbaijan

On February 8, upon expiry of imprisonment, Sardar Alibeili, editor-in-chief of the "Nota" newspaper, was set free. He served his term in minimum security colony No. 14. Mr Alibeili has stated that he will continue his journalistic activities and writing about the problems "of public concern."

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that one month earlier Faramaz Allakhverdiev, and editor of the same newspaper, was also released from colony No. 16, where he served his term.

On July 22, 2009, the Nizami District Court of Baku sentenced both gentlemen to three months of imprisonment each, finding them guilty under Articles 148 ("Insult") and 147.2 ("Slander of committing a grave crime").

The journalists under the claim lodged by Takhmasib Novruzov, head of the "Association of Advocates for Freedom", who had considered that the publication in "Nota" in March-April 2009 about his alleged financial swindles, was an insult.

Alibeili's term was increased by 1 month under another suit against him, lodged by the command of Internal Troops of Azerbaijan.

Earlier, the newspaper "Nota" was published under the name of "Nota Bene". Allakhverdiev and Alibeili had already been convicted for slander for their publications in the "Nota Bene".

Emin Guseinov, Director of the IRFS (Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety), earlier noted that Alibeili and Allakhverdiev have ambiguous reputation in Azerbaijan. They are regularly attracted to litigations on charges of slander and insult. However, according to Mr Guseinov, his Institute was tracing the litigations against the above journalists since it is in principle against any criminal prosecution for defamation.