Azerbaijani opposition paper editor jailed for 9 yearsMarch 12, 2013 - 19:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Azerbaijan jailed the editor of an independent newspaper for nine years on Tuesday, March 12, a court spokesman said, in a case that government critics say highlights a crackdown on civil rights in the oil-rich country, according to Reuters. Azerbaijan, a mainly Muslim former Soviet republic in the South Caucasus, is governed by strongman leader Ilham Aliyev, whose rule is often lambasted by international rights organizations for curbing public dissent and freedom of speech. Avaz Zeynally, editor of the Khural daily, was arrested in October 2011 and charged with extortion after a ruling party lawmaker told prosecutors he had demanded a bribe from her. The lawmaker was later charged with fraud herself. Zeynally denies the charges and says the case is a reprisal by the government for a story criticizing senior officials. After a judge read out the verdict, a crowd of his supporters shouted "Freedom!" outside the courthouse. The case is not the first against the newspaper's staff. Khural has been shut since police seized its computers in a 2011 raid on its offices linked to a defamation suit filed by two presidential administration officials over a story alleging corruption in Aliyev's government. Sandwiched between Russia, Iran and Turkey, Azerbaijan is an energy supplier to Europe and a transit route for U.S. troops in Afghanistan - a role that rights groups say has cushioned the country from Western criticism of its democracy record. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | U.S. believes peace is “possible” in South Caucasus The United States continues to believe that peace is possible in the South Caucasus, Vedant Patel said. Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. |