An Azerbaijani judge has rejected an appeal to the two-month pretrial detention for Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizada, the Ol! Youth movement is reporting.
Outside the court, more than than 60 young activists, journalists, bloggers and representatives of international organizations were waiting for word of the decision, the group said. The Collegian is working to independently verify the reports.
The rejection means Milli and Hajizada — a 2005 University of Richmond graduate — could face up to two months in pretrial detention before their case is heard.
Police arrested them on charges of hooliganism July 8, despite Hajizada’s and Milli’s testimony that they were attacked for voicing criticism for the Azeri government at a restaurant in the capital city of Baku. Their arrest has drawn international attention and condemnation from human rights groups, including Amnesty International, and prompted 17 professors last week to send letters of support to Congressional leaders and the Azeri president.
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Dan Petty reported from Denver.
Contact reporter Dan Petty at dan.petty@richmond.edu
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