The Prosecutor General's Office has summoned journalist Qənimət Zahid, who has been living abroad for nearly 15 years, for investigation.
Medianews.az reports that the Prosecutor General's Office's warning regarding this was broadcast on the air of Public Television.
The official warning emphasized that Q. Zahid is accused of calling for a state coup and forcible seizure of power in Azerbaijan on his "YouTube" channel and "Facebook" network. He is called to come to Baku to give a statement in the investigation opened under this accusation at the prosecutor's office.
The case against Q. Zahid has been opened under the first and second parts of Article 281 of the Criminal Code.
Article 281. Open calls against the state
281.1. Making open calls for the forcible seizure, forcible retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional order of the Republic of Azerbaijan, or disintegration of its territorial integrity, as well as spreading materials of such content—
is punishable by imprisonment for up to five years.
281.2. The same acts committed repeatedly or by a group of persons—
are punishable by imprisonment for five to eight years.
According to the legislation, if Q. Zahid does not respond to the summons, a trial in absentia may be opened and a verdict may be issued in absentia regarding him.
It should be noted that the Prosecutor General's Office has summoned several individuals living abroad for investigation in this manner so far. None of them complied with the summons. A trial in absentia has been opened against these individuals, and for some, a verdict in absentia has already been issued.
Born in Shamakhi in 1963, Q. Zahid graduated from Baku State University. From 1990, he worked at the "Azadlıq" newspaper, serving as editor from 1991 to 1994 and as chief editor since 2003. The "Azadlıq" newspaper ceased publication on September 5, 2016.
Q. Zahid was imprisoned from 2007 to 2010. Since 2011, he has lived in France. He is the head of "Turan TV," which broadcasts from abroad, and the author and host of the television program "Azerbaijan Hour."
Toğrul Əli,
Medianews.az
