Azeri official sues editor critical of Interior Ministry
Azerbaijani Interior Minister Ramil Usubov has filed a libel
lawsuit against lawyer and newspaper editor Eyyub Karimov, RFE/RL
reported.
Karimov, editor in chief of "Femida 007," a newspaper that covers crime and legal issues, is accused of libeling the ministry by publishing articles that claim organized crime is rising in the country.
Usubov has demanded that Karimov be arrested.
Usubov’s representative in the case, Alirza Habilov, told RFE/RL that articles published in the local newspapers "Azadliq" and "Femida 007" libeled Usubov and his staff.
But Karimov says the writings, which he published after the arrest of former Interior Ministry official Haci Mammadov, merely criticized the ministry and are not libelous.
Legal proceedings were postponed until Friday so that Karimov can review the documents of the case.*
Karimov, editor in chief of "Femida 007," a newspaper that covers crime and legal issues, is accused of libeling the ministry by publishing articles that claim organized crime is rising in the country.
Usubov has demanded that Karimov be arrested.
Usubov’s representative in the case, Alirza Habilov, told RFE/RL that articles published in the local newspapers "Azadliq" and "Femida 007" libeled Usubov and his staff.
But Karimov says the writings, which he published after the arrest of former Interior Ministry official Haci Mammadov, merely criticized the ministry and are not libelous.
Legal proceedings were postponed until Friday so that Karimov can review the documents of the case.*