Azerbaijani SC commutes sentence to oppositionist Elvin Abdullaev

The sentence to Elvin Abdullaev, an activist of the youth committee of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), has been commuted from 6 years down to 2.5 years of imprisonment. His defender, who insists on the verdict of acquittal, intends to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in January 2015, Elvin Abdullaev was detained on the charge of drug trafficking, and on June 1, 2015, the Baku Court of Grave Crimes found him guilty and sentenced him to six years of imprisonment. Elvin Abdullaev pleaded not guilty.

Today, the Supreme Court (SC) of Azerbaijan has considered the cassation filed by Elvin Abdullaev.

By the Court's decision, the charge was changed from Article 234.4.3 (illegal drug trafficking on a large scale) to Article 234.1 (illegal possession of drugs without intent to sell). The sentence to Elvin Abdullaev was commuted from 6 years down to 2.5 years of imprisonment, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was informed by an official from the Azerbaijani SC.

"However, we still do not agree with the decision of the Supreme Court, and we will appeal to the European Court of Human Rights," states Ali Mekhtiev, an advocate of the sentenced activist.

According to the advocate, the defence insists on the acquittal of Elvin Abdullaev.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.