Azerbaijani human right defenders have appealed to president Ilham Aliyev in connection with the arrest of Rauf Mirkadirov, a journalist working for Zerkalo newspaper.

They asked president to take the case under control, since they do not believe that the journalist could be a spy, Azerbaijani media reported.

Prominent Azerbaijani journalist was arrested on the charges of espionage on April 19. He is accused of working with Armenia's special services. Prosecutor's Office claims he had met with the representatives of Armenian intelligence and carried out their instructions.