13 May 2005, 13:53
Police fight hunger strikers
A clash occurred on 13 May between Azerbaijani police officers and people on hunger strike in support of defence lawyer Elman Jalilov. One of the policemen tore down a slogan in support of Jalilov in the room where the hunger strike is on. The police actions caused indignation of the hunger strikers, which led to the clash.
The hunger strike has been on for three days already involving five relatives and friends of the lawyer. The strikers protest against Elman Jalilov's illegal arrest. This morning, the condition of Elman Jalilov's brother Chingiz, a Chernobyl victim, worsened dramatically.
Elman Jalilov was detained on 24 April. He was officially arrested for 15 days on 27 April. The administrative detention period ended on 11 May, but the authorities extended the arrest for two months. Elman Jalilov is charged under Article 178.2.2 of the Criminal Code (fraud). The lawyer himself is convinced the reason for his arrest is that he defends oppositionists and that he has written the story for a documentary about the abuse and tyranny of the ruling regime in Azerbaijan.
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Author: Zaur Rasulzade, CK correspondent
