Khadija Ismayilova's Trial Begins in Baku Despite Worldwide Condemnation

The trial of Khadija Ismayilova, the Azerbaijani journalist charged with embezzlement and tax evasion, got underway in the country’s capital Baku, on Friday, July 24. Police prevented dozens of activists, journalists, and some members of the diplomatic corp from entering the courtroom for the preliminary hearing.

Rights activists and western governments have condemned her pre-trial detention since December 2014, calling the accusations against her politically motivated. Credit: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty