Azeri Bloggers to Stand Trial

The trial of two young internet pro-democracy activists on charges of hooliganism is due to begin in Baku in early September. As reported by Global Voices Online, the two men, Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli, will now also face an additional charge of causing mild injury to an unspecified victim. They were originally detained after being accused of starting a fight in a restaurant, although they claim they were the victims of an unprovoked attack by unknown assailants. Their supporters believe they were targeted because of their campaigning activities, which include the online distribution of satirical videos poking fun at the government. Some suggest that the authorities in Azerbaijan are trying to cast a chill over the blogosphere, after a series of restrictive moves against independent and opposition media in the country. Updates from the campaign to free them are available here.