15:11, 13 May 2004

Azerbaijan journalists get access to trial against opposition leaders

Representatives of approximately 25 media organizations can attend the preliminary hearing in the case of opposition leaders in the Court for Grave Crimes set for May 12. The agreement on it was reached in the course of negotiations between top officials of the Press Council and the Court for Grave Crimes. The restriction is connected with a small size of the court room, which can seat only 46 people, reported head of the Press Council Aflatun Amashev. By the agreement, representatives of the following media organizations are allowed to attend the trial: the newspapers Zerkalo, Echo, 525th, Khalg, Baky Khabar, Azadlyg, Express, Sharg, Merkez, Olaylar, Khafta Ichi, Adalet, Kaspiy, Iki Sakhil, Yeni Musavat, and Palitra; the Turan agency; BBC Radio, and Radio Liberty; TV channels AzTV, Lider, Space, ATV, and ANS.

The majority of journalists were not admitted to the previous court session.

Editors note: See also the article "Trial against Azerbaijan opposition leaders goes without representatives of influential media".

Source: Zerkalo newspaper (Azerbaijan)