In Azerbaijan, an opposition journalist was sentenced to three years

Today, the court for heavy crimes of Azerbaijan finished the trial on Mirza Sakit (Zakhidov), satirical journalist of the "Azadlyg" newspaper.

When announcing the verdict, Judge Azer Orudzhev found Zakhidov guilty under Article 234.1 of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic (use of narcotic drugs) and convicted the journalist to three years of custody and a fine of 20 AZN (25 US dollars) with the right to lodge an appeal. Note that yesterday the journalist made his last statement. The defendant stated that the trial was unfair, and the court was fulfilling the "order" of the authorities. However, under the pressure of local and international community, the judiciary powers were forced to re-qualify the charge. Now, they want to adjudge him not for sale but for illegal storage of drugs.

"I've never used drugs. They were planted into my pocket by police officer Adyl Alekperov - operations agent who commanded my arrest. I was arrested on faked charges. I don't ask the court to sooth my punishment, I demand an objective verdict," Zakhidov stated. He told also that despite his arrest he continues his fight against the authoritarian regime and writes satirical verses while in custody. "Attempts of the powers to force me shut-up have failed and I'm not afraid of the prison," he said.

We remind you that Sakit Zakhidov was arrested on June 23 this year for possessing 10 grams of heroine.

The journalist rejects the charges and thinks that the drug was planted on him with the aim to punish for his satirical works published in "Azadlyg" on the authorities of Azerbaijan.