Azerbaijan, Baku, July 8 /Trend, R.Darakhshan/
The EU expresses its grave concern at the conviction and sentencing of imprisoned journalist and former newspaper editor Eynulla Fatullayev on drug possession charges, EU statement said on July 8.
The EU shares the view expressed by the OSCE Representative on the Freedom of the Media on 6 July 2010 that these new charges remain questionable. Besides, the EU notes that they
will result in Fatullayev's transfer from general prison to a more restrictive prison regime.
The Court of Justice in Garadagh district of Baku sentenced former editor in chief of the Azerbaijani newspaper Eynulla Fatullayev to 2.6 years. He is accused of committing a crime associated with drugs.
Former chief editor of the Daily Azerbaijan and Real Azerbaijan was arrested April 20, 2007 and sentenced to 8.5 years. He was accused of calling for terrorism, inciting ethnic hatred and tax evasion.
In December 2009, about 0.223 grams of heroin was found in Fatullayev's shoes and jacket.
A criminal case was filed under Article 234.1 (illegal purchase or storage narcotics or psychotropic substances in quantities exceeding necessary for personal consumption without the intent to sell) of the Criminal Code.
In conclusion, the EU calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to allow a swift appeal against this conviction, ensuring full compliance with international legal standards.