Another suit lodged against the "Hural" newspaper in Azerbaijan

Another suit has been lodged against the "Hural" newspaper to the Narimanovskiy District Court by Akif Mamedov, chairman of the Joint-Stock Company (JSC) "Kurort" (Resort). This news was made public today by the Institute for Freedom and Safety of Reporters of Azerbaijan.

The Day.Az reminds that in December the "Hural" newspaper published two articles entitled "Chairman of 'Kurort' JSC Akif Mamedov Threatens to Kill Entrepreneur" and "Akif Mamedov's 'Thievish' Rules and Mafia Laws."

In this connection, the claimant has filed a complaint against the edition, having presented the charges under articles "Slander" and "Insult". The preparatory session of the court is appointed on January 4, 2008.

Earlier, the "Caucasian Knot" has informed that back in late November seven trials were conducted at the same time against the "Hural" newspaper and its editor-in-chief Avaz Zeinally. The latter himself told about it to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

According to Mr Zeinally, the Yasamal District Court has accepted to consideration two new claims against the "Hural" newspaper and its editor: from the head of the Evlakhskiy District who claims 150,000 manats (170,000 US dollars) as compensation of moral damage, and a claim of the "Azerbaijan" Publishing House with charges of causing damage to the business reputation and abuse of the honour and dignity of the director of the Publishing House. The claimant demands 200,000 manats (220,000 US dollars) as compensation of moral damage.