Azernews.Az

Some Azerbaijani media outlets have spread unfounded information about alleged violations of the right to protect executive director of the independent TV channel Khayal Vugar Gonagov and editor-in-chief Zaur Guliyev and the requirement to refuse them advocacy by exerting pressure, Prosecutor General's press office said on Wednesday.

This information, which was allegedly aimed at distorting the facts of events and hampering the investigation, has been categorically refuted by the Prosecutor General's office.

On March 1, about 1000 people held a protest action in front of the building of the Guba Executive Power, in response to some remarks made by Guba mayor Rauf Gabibov. His views were voiced at a meeting on social affairs on November 22 which were regarded as disrespect to the Guba people.

As a result, some facilities and a private house belonging to the head of the executive power were burnt.

Vugar Gonagov and Zaur Guliyev were involved in an investigation for participating in these actions. According to Prosecutor General's press office, their rights are fixed in criminal law, including the right to legal assistance which was guaranteed. All investigations were conducted with the participation of advocates. Moreover, instructions were given on October 9 to consider the appeal by Vugar Gonagov's lawyer over inhumane treatment in a detention centre.

Guba is located 168 km north of Baku.