Court of Appeal upholds verdict to Azerbaijani journalist Afghan Sadygov

On May 25, the Shirvan Court of Appeal of Azerbaijan did not cancel the verdict under which journalist Afghan Sadygov was sentenced to 2.5 years of imprisonment. The defence has announced the intention to file a cassation appeal.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Afghan Sadygov, a founder and editor of the social and political website "Azel.tv", was accused of attacking a woman. According to investigators, the attack occurred at the reception room of the head of the Jalilabad District. Relatives of the journalist treat his prosecution as punishment for criticizing the district authorities. On January 12, the District Court found Afghan Sadygov guilty of deliberate infliction of less serious harm to health in a dangerous way from hooligan motives and sentenced him to 2.5 years of imprisonment.

On May 25, the verdict to the journalist was upheld, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was informed by an official of the Shirvan Court of Appeal.

Advocate Elchin Sadygov has called the decision of the Court unfair and biased. Afghan Sadygov also did not plead guilty.

"At first, they wanted to force me to abandon my path of honest coverage of the problems that troubled the people. However, I will continue my activities after the arrest. I will not turn off my path, even if I still face new trials," the advocate quoted Afghan Sadygov as saying.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.