Written by David Brewer

Appeals by the two detained Azerbaijani bloggers, Adnan Hajizada and Emin Abdullayev, have been denied, according to tweet reports. Both look set to continue to be held in pre-trial detention after being arrested on charges of hooliganism. Their trial is expected to be held on or around September 8. If found guilty they could face two and a half years behind bars. Supporters continue to campaign for their release.

The denied appeal was tweeted by the OL! Youth Movement. One of the two, Adnan Hajizadeh, was a founder of the group.

The news of the hearing was tweeted earlier today by Azerbaijani blogger Ali S. Novruzov, quoting The Collegian, the University of Richmond student newspaper. Hajizada graduated from Richmond in 2005.

The Turan Information Agency in Azerbaijan says the men’s lawyers visited them last week and says they maintain the court decision to hold them for two months pre-trial is unfair, although it is reported that neither men complained about the conditions under which they are being held.

Online campaign continues

Demonstrations held in London

Demonstrations have been held in London by supporters, and UK MPs have signed a petition calling for the release of the two.

Those campaigning for the release of the two have set up an online video petition where people can post video messages calling for their release.

The men were arrested on 8 July when they were allegedly involved in a fight in a restaurant in Baku after claims that they were overheard criticising the Azerbaijani government.

Both men were reported to be injured in the attack and were detained after reporting the incident to the local police.

Adnan Hajizadeh is one of the founders of OL! Youth Movement which has a Facebook site.

The group also tweets @olmedia and has a YouTube site where it updates videos of the campaign to free the two.

Emin Abdullayev (also known as Milli) helped set up the Alumni Network (AN).