Former Minister Aziz Voitov’s Trial Conducted in Private to Avoid Public Influence
Journalists Excluded from Trial Against Former Minister of Agriculture Aziz Voitov
A request has been made by one of the parties involved in the criminal case against former Minister of Agriculture Aziz Voitov and 49 other defendants to exclude journalists from the proceedings. Tursunali Akbarov, a representative of the Judiciary Supreme Council, has announced that the trial will now be held behind closed doors to prevent any social pressure that may arise from leaked information during the proceedings.
On September 19, a press conference was held at the Agency for Information and Mass Communications (AIMC) with officials from the Judiciary Supreme Council. Tursunali Akbarov explained that the decision to exclude journalists from the trial was made after considering the opinions of the parties involved.
Initially, the trial started as an open court session with journalists participating. However, the use of recording devices such as video, photo, and audio was only allowed with the approval of the presiding judge. Some defendants and their lawyers objected to the recording of the proceedings, leading to a ban on such activities.
Regarding the closed nature of the trial, a request was submitted by one of the defendants’ lawyers to hold the trial behind closed doors, excluding journalists. This decision was made to prevent any potential influence on the case or social pressure that may arise from leaked information.
If there are any parties discontent with this decision, they have the option to appeal to a higher court. The Judiciary Supreme Council does not have the authority to assess this procedural action by the judge.
It is important to note that this case involves a total of 50 defendants, not just the former minister. Not all defendants are in favor of an open trial. Any discontent with the decision can be addressed through a procedural complaint to the higher court.
The trial against former Agriculture Minister Aziz Voitov and others began on September 5 at the Yunusabad District Court building. Initially, journalists were allowed to cover the trial, but later all media coverage was prohibited. The Anti-Corruption Agency has expressed that it would be beneficial for the court sessions to be held openly in this case.
