Activists demand releasing those arrested after Baku action

Two more activists of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), Elnur Djabbarov and Mushvig Guliev, were arrested in Baku. Criminal charges were brought against them under three articles in connection with the action in support of the army. In total, at least 37 people have been prosecuted, human rights defenders and activists report, demanding the release of those arrested.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that at night on July 15, in Baku, a march took place in support of the Azerbaijani army, which ended in clashes with the police. On July 31, the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA) reported that the number of party activists detained after the rally had increased up to 46.

Elnur Djabbarov, the chairman of the PFPA Garadag regional branch, and Mushvig Guliev, a member of the PFPA Apsheron branch, were detained on July 30, Ilham Gusein, a member of the PFPA Presidium, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"Late on Friday evening (July 31), the Nasimi District Court ruled to arrest them for three months in connection with the July 15 rally. Thus, the number of PFPA members criminally prosecuted within this case has reached 18," Mr Gusein has explained.

A group of 22 Azerbaijani human rights defenders, activists and journalists has appealed to the local and international communities asking them to influence the Azerbaijani authorities and release those arrested, who are "persecuted on trumped-up charges."

In total, at least 37 people have been prosecuted, rights defenders report in their statement.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on August 2, 2020 at 00:08 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.