Ali Karimli, head of opposition Azerbaijan Popular Front Party told RFE/RL that the court hall with filled with outside people in order not to allow activists and journalists into the process. “The attitude to Khadija’s trial shows the state’s malicious attitude to Khadija Ismayil. This special attitude is connected with Khadija Ismayil’s journalistic investigations on Ilham Aliyev’s and his family members’ business deals”.
CPJ - release Khadija
The Committee to Protect Journalists has called on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately release Khadija Ismayilova. “CPJ and other international press freedom groups believe the charges against Ismayilova are in retaliation for her coverage of corruption in the Azerbaijani government”. https://cpj.org/2015/07/cpj-calls-on-azerbaijan-to-free-jailed-journalist-.php
Trial Day1
Trial of RFE/RL investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova started today in Baku amid heavy police presence.
Dozens of journalists, activists, diplomatic corps representatives came to follow the process, however the majority of them were not allowed into the court building including her sister Sabina Rahimova. Khadija’s mother could enter the hall after strong protests of the attendants.
Those who was left outside say small court hall was selected intentionally and reportedly was filled in advance with people not related to the process.
A representative of French Embassy told the court officials that no one can bar a diplomat. However the court doors were closed despite the protests.
Those who remained outside protested against the restrictions by clapping and chanting “Khadija”. They demand the process to be held in a bigger hall and allow everyone to observe.
Several journalists were in yellow press jackets to show solidarity with Khadija Ismayil. Those jackets are used in protests usually. A reporter told RFE/RL they want to show that Khadija was arrested for her journalistic activity.
Khadija Ismayilova's sister says Khadija is her IDOL
"The first time I heard her say ‘It is important that truth comes out’ Khadija was only 9 years old. I was in 5 th grade and Khadija in 4th. I scored the lowest grade in my class and wanted to hide this from our mother. Khadija said there was no way she was letting that happen and that she would tell our mother immediately. I begged her not do it and promised to fix my grade. She was younger than I and yet she was bossing me around. She said ‘fine, I will give you time’.” This is how Khadija Ismayilova’s sister, Sabina Rahimova remembers Khadija. Azadliq Radiosu spoke to Sabina who is a specialist in pre-school education.
As the conversation goes on, Sabina speaks of Khadija with much admiration.
"You see, for Khadija it does not matter whether that person has family ties to her or not, what is important for her is the human side of things. She is simply unlike anybody. I will give you an example. Imagine two people are asking for Khadija’s help – me and one other person. Khadija’s decision would be based on the essence of the request and its benefit for a community rather than the relationship that exists between these two people and herself. She would first help the person whose needs would benefit the community. For her, it doesn’t matter whether it is pro government, opposition, family or a total stranger. For her there is only a human and human rights, and whose rights are being abused, and are in need of help. Basically she is my idol and a human being with capital letters.”
“We always knew there was no way to change Khadija’s mind. All her live, her decisions are public. She always shared her decisions and positions on Facebook. We understood that if Khadija said it, then its over, and that there is no changing her mind. So we have always accepted her for who she is.”