Jailed Azerbaijani journalist Ismayilova fined in libel case
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 23 February 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Jailed Azerbaijani journalist Ismayilova fined in libel case, 23 February 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/550941044.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 23, 2015
By RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service
Khadija Ismayilova
Khadija Ismayilova, an investigative journalist and RFE/RL contributor who faces an array of charges she says are politically motivated, has been convicted of libel and fined 2,500 manats ($3,180).
Ismayilova's lawyer, Elton Quliyev, told RFE/RL that a Baku court judge issued the ruling on February 23 at the pretrial detention center where Ismayilova has been held since December 5.
Ismayilova was found guilty of publicly calling former opposition activist Elman Hasanov an agent of the national security ministry.
She denies having made such an allegation.
Lawyer Quliyev vowed an appeal.
Ismayilova, who has reported extensively on the financial dealings of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and members of his family, was initially detained on what authorities described as suspicion of inciting an attempted suicide.
She has since been hit with new charges including embezzlement, illegal entrepreneurship, tax evasion, and abuse of power, and faces up to 12 years in prison if convicted.
Ismayilova denies any wrongdoing.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website