As you all know, we've been following the case of bloggers Adnan Hajizada and Emin Milli in Azerbaijan for months now. Unfortunately, today, RFE/RL reports that the bloggers have been sentenced to 2.5-year jail sentences.
Quick reminder, the men were arrested in July for hooliganism after they themselves were attacked my "sportsmen". They happened to be attacked after they lampooned the government with a YouTube clip involving a donkey. This just in, Azerbaijan really doesn't have a good sense of humor. Said Adnan's father, Hikmat (also a well known activist):
"This case is humiliating for Azerbaijan's image and for Azerbaijani citizens. I cannot understand how and for what reasons the court did this. I have no answer to these questions."
The case will certainly be appealed. Please contact your local embassies and consulates to support the bloggers and free speech in Azerbaijan.
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