In a surprise move, jailed “donkey blogger” Adnan Hajizade was released from prison in the last two hours. He had been serving a two-year sentence on charges of “hooliganism” after being mauled by thugs in a Baku cafe in 2009.
Coincidentally, the charges and the assault took place not long after Hajizade produced (and starred in) a hilarious parody aimed at the Azerbaijani government. The order was handed down by the Court of Appeal after hearing from the prosecutor, who reportedly told the court that he agreed with the early release due to Hajizade’s good behavior while serving the first half of his term, according to two sources in Baku I have been in contact with this morning.
One source tells me that he met Hajizade upon his release. Details will emerge later today, and I should have photos as well.
The curious statement of the prosecutor begs the question of the real reasons for Hajizade’s release, although it is assumed by Azeris I have talked to that international pressure was the crucial factor. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton raised the issue during her brief visit to Baku in July, and the OSCE–as well as an array of NGOs–have made the donkey bloggers’ plight a very public priority.
It is not known why only Hajizade was released and not his fellow donkey blogger as well, Emin Milli.
More details to follow tonight…