Azerbaijani Journalist Jailed 25 Days On Vulgarity Charge

A court in Baku has sentenced a journalist to 25 days in detention on charges of using vulgar words in public.

The Binaqadi District Court found Xalid Qarayev guilty on October 30.

Qarayev is a correspondent for the opposition "Azadliq" (Liberty) newspaper and a reporter for the online "Azerbaijani Hour" television program.

He was arrested on October 29.

Qarayev pleaded not guilty, saying the case against him is politically motivated and charging that authorities in "Azerbaijan cannot tolerate a dissenting voice."

Azerbaijani authorities have been under criticism regarding Baku's human rights record and pressure on journalists, civil and human rights activists, and opposition groups.