Azerbaijani businessman from Sheki, who tried to kill himself, complains of pressure

The entrepreneur Alovsat Mutallimov from the city of Sheki in northern Azerbaijan, who tried to set himself on fire on December 15 in protest against violation of his rights, continues to experience pressure. This was reported by Irada Javadova, the chair of the NGO "Public Association for Human Rights Education".

Let us remind you that Alovsat Mutallimov tried to kill himself by pouring gasoline over himself near the administrative building of the JSC "Sheki Bazaar" in protest against the intention of the bosses of the marketplace to take away the shop that he was renting from the JSC. A policeman who happened to be nearby prevented his self-immolation.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was informed by Irada Javadova that after Mutallimov's suicide attempt the boss of the JSC "Sheki Bazaar" Vagif Abdullaev was detained by the police. However, according to the rights defender, on the following day he was released.

Ms Javadova has stressed that the police asserted that "the incident was investigated"; however, they refused to specify whether a criminal case was initiated.

Irada Javadova said that the bosses of the JSC "Sheki Bazaar" had illegally sealed up the shop, leased by Mutallimov, where his property still remains.

She added that other entrepreneurs had been complaining of the top managers of the shopping centre; therefore, she was planning to officially address the supreme bodies of power of Azerbaijan and representative offices of international organizations located in Baku.

Alovsat Mutallimov himself said that a few years ago the tenants paid the bosses of the shopping centre just 50 manats (about 60 US dollars) per month.

"However, after Vagif Abdullaev came to power, the rental fee was increased to 120 manats (about 144 US dollars). In April, he raised it still higher - up to 200 manats (about 240 US dollars)," said Mutallimov.

"If you pay this amount, nothing will be left to us. I work with my wife in the shop all the day long; we've barely enough revenues to maintain our family. This is the only source of our existence. We have two children; one child sick and needs money for treatment," said Mutallimov.

After the entrepreneur had filed a complaint to the bosses of the marketplace, for a few months they took 120 manats from him. However, on December 3, the boss of the trading centre demanded from Mutallimov to abandon the shop. This was Mutallimov's prompt to suicide. "I have no other choice," he said.

After his self-immolation attempt, Elkhan Usubov, the head of the executive power of the Shaki District, met entrepreneurs of the shopping centre and promised to solve the problems with their rental fees. But so far no actions were taken.

According to Irada Javadova, the problem is that the traders are forced to pay much more than specified in the rental contracts.

The entrepreneurs do not go to court, hoping that the district administration will assist in resolving the problem. At the same time, they do not believe in the objectivity of the court, and add that they have no money to hire qualified advocates.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent could not get any comments at the JSC "Sheki Bazaar"; they did not confirm that their boss was detained for a day and refrained from further comments.

The Sheki ROVD (District Interior Division) also refrained from comment, saying that "the fact is being investigated."

The Sheki district executive body said that "the relevant authorities deal with the issue."