Media Helping Media

Azerbaijani bloggers trial adjourned

Published on Saturday, 05 September 2009

Written by David Brewer

  

 

Supporters say the judge ordered the media not to record or cover proceedings inside the court.

Those outside resorted to Twitter and blogs to try to update others.

One blogger said that the lack of verified information made it difficult for those following the case to report on was happening inside the court.

Disturbing pattern

The media freedom organisation Freedom House has urged the authorities in Azerbaijan to drop the charges and release the two.

Jennifer Windsor, the executive director for Freedom House says the arrest and detention sends a worrying message.

"This case fits a disturbing pattern under which independent journalists and others seeking to express themselves end up in the criminal justice system."

New charge added

Last month, Hikmat Hajizada, the father of one of the men being held said he had not been allowed to see his son, Adnan, since his arrest and urged the authorities in Azerbaijan to follow the ruling of the European Convention on Human Rights regarding the rights of family members to visit prisoners.

Hajizada also revealed that a new charge of "intentional physical violence" had been added while his son had been held awaiting the trail, which could result in two years being added to their sentence.

The trail is expected to resume on Wednesday September 16.

  

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