 Azerbaijani court orders release of opposition journalist March 17, 2016 - 15:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A court in Azerbaijan has ordered the release of a journalist who has spent nearly two years in prison on espionage charges, the News and Observer reports. Rauf Mirkadirov was arrested in April 2014 and sentenced last year to six years in prison for allegedly spying for Armenia. Mirkadirov has denied the charges. The appeals court in the capital Baku on Thursday, March 17 released the journalist after converting his prison term to a conditional sentence. Mirkadirov has worked as a Turkey correspondent for an independent Azerbaijani newspaper, which was closed down following his arrest. The Caspian Sea nation has come under criticism for a crackdown on human rights. High-profile journalists like Mirkadirov have been hit with charges which they say is retaliation for their reporting.   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 |  Latest news 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.Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports.Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |
