31 August 2016, 13:56
Activist Movsum Samedov goes on hunger strike in protest against amendments to Azerbaijani Constitution
Movsum Samedov, the leader of the Islamic Party of Azerbaijan, who is serving a prison sentence, goes on hunger strike in protest against the amendments to the Azerbaijani Constitution, submitted to referendum to be held on September 26.
On July 18, President Ilham Aliev signed a resolution to direct to the Constitutional Court the draft of the Act on referendum on amendments to the Constitution. On July 25, the Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan recognized holding a referendum as eligible.
The draft amendments provide for the prolongation of the presidential term from 5 up to 7 years, the introduction of the provision on dissolution of the Parliament, and the establishment in Azerbaijan of the positions of Vice Presidents.
The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that, members of the Islamic Party of Azerbaijan (IPA), together with Movsum Samedov, were arrested in January 2011 and charged under four Articles of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, including "terrorism, committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy" and "an attempt to seize power by force". On October 7, 2011, the Baku Court of Grave Crimes found the defendants guilty under all charges. Movsum Samedov was sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment.
Movsum Samedov is recognized as a "prisoner of conscience" by the Institute for Peace and Democracy (IPD) and a number of other human rights organizations of Azerbaijan. According to the human rights defenders, Movsum Samedov was sentenced solely for his public speeches with criticism of the authorities.
Today, Yalchin Imanov, the Movsum Samedov's advocate, has reported that on August 29, his client declared a hunger strike in protest against the amendments to the Constitution.
"Movsum Samedov believes that the constitutional amendments are of reactionary nature. According to him, their adoption would mean 'establishment of a monarchical system of government.' Movsum Samedov said that since he had no other options of protest he decided to go on a hunger strike."
Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.
Author: Faik Medzhid Source: CK correspondent
