Journalist Nargiz Absalamova’s prison term was extended by another 3 months
The lawyer said that he will file an appeal against the decision
Nargiz Absalamova, one of the journalists detained in the criminal case related to “AbzasMedia”, has been remanded in custody.
On February 24, Khatai District Court heard the prosecutor’s presentation on this matter.
The investigator defended the presentation in court. He said that the investigation has not yet been completed, and a number of investigative actions should be carried out on this criminal case. It is appropriate to keep him in prison during this period. Because if he remains free, he can avoid the investigation and affect the course of the process.
Nargiz Absalamova herself and her lawyer objected to the presentation.
The journalist said that he did not commit any crime, he was punished for his professional activity.
Her lawyer said that the investigation can be continued even without arresting Nargiz Absalamova.
Reminding that Nargiz Absalamova did not evade the investigation even before her arrest, the lawyer said that there is no reason to keep her in prison.
Despite the objections of the defense, the judge granted the presentation. Nargiz Absalamova’s detention period during the investigation period was extended by another 3 months.
The lawyer will file an appeal against this decision of the Khatai District Court.
Nargiz Absalamova has been in prison since December 1. Initially, a 3-month preventive measure was chosen for him.
Arrests in the “AbzasMedia” case, known for its corruption investigations, began on November 20 of last year. First, the site’s director Ulvi Hasanli, deputy director Mahammad Kekalov, and editor-in-chief Sevinj Vagifqizi were arrested. Later, arrests continued with investigative journalist Hafiz Babali, Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova. They are also charged with Article 206.3.2 (smuggling by a group of persons) of the Criminal Code.
The sanction of this article provides for imprisonment from 5 to 8 years.
After Ulvi Hasanli was detained on November 20, the office of “AbzasMedia” was searched. It was claimed that 40,000 euros were found in the site’s office.
Ulvi Hasanli said that there was no money there, that 40,000 euros were deposited in the office by those who claimed to have found it.
None of the named journalists are guilty, they said that they were punished for investigations related to the business and corruption of a number of officials, including members of the President’s family, in “AbzasMedia”.