Azerbaijan releases jailed Iranian reporterDecember 28, 2012 - 12:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Azerbaijan released an Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB)'s reporter in Baku after 10 months of imprisonment, Fars news agency reports. Anar Bayramli was freed following repeated requests by human rights organizations and activists and after Azeri President Ilham Aliyev signed a pardon order for 87 convicts, including a number of political prisoners. Bayramli was arrested on February 17 after Azeri police incriminated him for alleged possession of drugs. A Baku court sentenced him to two years in prison on June 11 while his charges had not been proven. Someone had put drugs in a pocket of his coat which he was not wearing, FNA says. The appeal court reduced his sentence from two years to 12 months on August 2 following broad protests by Azeri, Iranian and Turkish associations and international human rights organizations. 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 | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |