Azeri judge sentences Hajizada to two years in prison

A judge in Azerbaijan sentenced alumnus and activist Adnan Hajizada to two years in prison today for hooliganism and causing bodily harm.

Hajizada, 26, and fellow activist Emin Milli, 30, who was sentenced to two and a half years, were arrested July 8 after a fight in a restaurant in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Family and supporters of Hajizada and Milli claimed the arrests were to stop the activists and suppress youth activism.

Milli's lawyer, Elton Guliyev, said in court that the sentence was meant to scare politically active youth in Azerbaijan.

"This court decision is a step backwards for Azerbaijan's progress towards democratic reform," said Ian Kelly, U.S. Department of State spokesman. "The non-transparent investigation, closed court hearings, disproportionate legal charges, and failure to detain and charge the assailants have raised concerns about the independence of the police and the judiciary as well as about restrictions on freedom of expression in Azerbaijan."

Terry Davidson, the U.S. embassy spokesman said embassy members regretted the decision.

"We lament all efforts to limit freedom of speech," Davidson said, according to Eurasianet.org.

Hajizada and Milli were able to make a statement before the sentencing.

"You should feel sorry for them, but not us," Hajizada said, pointing to one of the victims of the attack, according to the Turan Information Agency.

Milli told the court he was ready to go to prison for his beliefs.

The hearing today was the last of many during several months. The case has drawn criticism of the Azeri legal system from human rights activists and supporters of the bloggers.

Today's hearing was scheduled for the afternoon until last night when a last minute decision changed the time to 10:30 a.m.

Contact staff writer Stephanie Rice at stephanie.rice@richmond.edu