25 September 2013, 18:56
In Azerbaijan, Hilal Mamedov's advocates ask court to acquit their client
Today, at the session of the Baku Court of Grave Crimes, advocates of Hilal Mamedov, the editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Tolyshi Sado", have asked to pronounce the verdict of not guilty. The advocates have also claimed the charges had been fabricated and the prosecution had been politically motivated.
Let us remind you that Hilal Mamedov is accused of treason, inciting ethnic hatred and possessing illegal drugs. On September 11, public prosecutor asked the court to sentence Hilal Mamedov to six years of imprisonment.
The criminal case was fabricated, and Hilal Mamedov is prosecuted for his human rights activities. This was stated at the court session by Ramiz Mamedov, a defendant's advocate.
According to his version, the arrest of Hilal Mamedov was based on "the allegations of Elman Guliev, who was serving his sentence in prison at that time." The advocate has also emphasized that when speaking at the court session, Elman Guliev, said that he decided to file a complaint against Hilal Mamedov in revenge.
While summing up his speech, the advocate reported on violation of the Hilal Mamedov's rights to liberty and the prohibition of torture, guaranteed by a number of articles of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in late August, Hilal Mamedov disseminated two statements. In his first statement, he praised the activities of President Ilham Aliev, and in his second statement, he explained the circumstances and causes for writing of his first statement. According to his story, the statement has been made in the name of reconciliation in society, and he has assured the readers that he did not betray his principles.
Author: Faik Medzhid Source: CK correspondent
