Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

A bill "On the fight against doping in sport" was discussed at the second plenary session of Azerbaijan's Parliament on November 25.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee, MP Fuad Muradov, addressing the session, stressed the importance of adopting the bill.

"Not only we, but also the World Anti-Doping Agency is expecting the adoption of this law. Following the adoption [of the bill], we will solve many issues," he said.

Muradov further informed his colleagues that it was proposed to create three independent structures to combat use of doping.

“Given the international experience in the fight against doping in sport, it was proposed to establish committees: on the use of therapeutic drugs, Conduct hearings committee, Disciplinary committee and Appeal committee," he said.

Anti-doping Agency will appear in the country after the adoption of the bill, he added.

The draft law is primarily aimed at protecting the rights of our athletes, who in case of positive doping tests are eligible for re-examination, according to Muradov.

Earlier, it was reported that the country will also toughen punishment for material and other means, benefits and concessions offered to athlete, sports doctor, coach, sponsor or another person with the purpose of manipulation in sports.

Those people will be fined in the amount of 3,000-5,000 manats ($1,845-$3,075) or imprisoned for a term of three to six years.

According to the bill, for the use of force, blackmail, dissemination of defamatory information, in respect of athlete, sports doctor, coach, sponsor, or their close relatives are punishable by imprisonment for up to three years. If these are accompanied by violence that threats life or health, those people will be punished by imprisonment for a term of three to six years.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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