Azerbaijan: journalist critical of power sentenced to 16 years in prison
The center of Baku, capital of Azerbaijan (illustrative image).
AFP
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Despite an empty file and missing evidence, Azerbaijani journalist Polad Aslanov will remain in prison.
His entourage and human rights NGOs have for months denounced a political trial and a serious attack on press freedom.
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His wife denounces an iniquitous judgment and a court subject to the orders of power.
Because the appeal made by the defense of Polad Aslanov has just been rejected.
He therefore remains subject to a shock sentence: 16 years in prison which were inflicted on him in November for high treason.
Baku justice accuses him of having sold state secrets to Iran.
But nothing has come to support these accusations that Polad Aslanov has always denounced as a case fabricated to silence him.
Before his arrest, this veteran journalist worked for several respected news sites known for their critical line of the authorities.
He had published extensive investigations into corruption within the Azerbaijani security services.
Reporters ans Frontières (RSF) is demanding a fair trial and medical support for Polad Aslanov, who began a hunger strike eight days ago in order to assert his rights.
He promises to take his case to the Supreme Court.
# Azerbaijan: Polad Aslanov's appeal rejected without any reporter being able to cover the hearing.
Very weakened, on hunger strike, he prepared a will to hold the authorities responsible for his death.
@RSF_inter calls for his immediate release!
https://t.co/5FIC3ZexK8
- RSF in French (@RSF_fr) February 15, 2021
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