In Baku, court refuses to cancel verdict against oppositionist Aliev

The Supreme Court of Azerbaijan did not grant a cassation appeal against the sentence of Ali Aliev, a leader of an opposition party. The defence promised to file a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on January 13, a court sentenced Ali Aliev to five months of imprisonment, finding him guilty of defaming border guard Emil Djafarov. On April 15, a court pronounced a similar decision on the complaint of Ramin Adilov, another border guard, who also accused the oppositionist of defamation. On May 27, it was reported that Ramiz Geyushev, a former functionary of the ruling “Yeni Azerbaijan” Party, filed a private lawsuit against Ali Aliev, accusing him of an insult. On June 7, Ali Aliev went on a hunger strike to protest against the third charge. The oppositionist believes that the charges are specifically initiated in a row to extend his prison sentence. On June 14, Ali Aliev ended his hunger strike.

On June 22, the Supreme Court (SC) of Azerbaijan considered the Ali Aliev’s cassation appeal on the first case instituted on the basis of the complaint filed by officer Emil Djafarov, the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent was told by oppositionist’s advocate Djavad Djavadov.

“Unfortunately, the complaint was considered in a formal way, and it was left not granted,” the advocate said.

Djavad Djavadov reported that the defence would appeal to the ECtHR. “This sentence against Ali Aliev and the following punishment based on the same interview and statements are a clear violation of the principles of law. No one can be punished again for the same act. These sentences are a disgrace to the Azerbaijani justice, and the ECtHR will inevitably recognize the violation of the Ali Aliev’s rights,” Djavad Djavadov believes.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on June 22, 2022 at 02:01 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.