Azerbaijan Bar Association Presidium ruled to disbar its member, lawyer Muzaffar Bakhishov. The decision was issued April 1 during Presidium's meeting. In his defense Bakhishov said the decision to disbar him was made by the Chairman of the Supreme Court Ramiz Rzayev. The lawyer is certain he is being punished for his criticism of Mr.Rzayev.
Bakhishov, who is known for his criticism of the legal system in Azerbaijan is not the first lawyer facing similar consequences for his views. Previously lawyers, working in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms were also under attack, and were disbarred.
In addition, presidium reprimanded lawyer Bahruz Bayramov and warned Elchin Sadigov. The appeal against the two lawyers was connected to the trial of journalist Parviz Hashimli. Based on Hashimli's request the two lawyers did not attend Hashimli's hearing. The Supreme Court Judge however who has taken up their case to the Bar Association claims that both Bayramov and Sadigov, avoided protecting Hashimli's rights by not attending the hearing.