Azerbaijani Prosecutor's Office refuses to open case on political prisoner's death

On September 29, in Baku, a preparatory session was held on the suit lodged by the widow of the perished head of the Talush Cultural Centre and editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Tolyshi Sado" (Voice of Talysh) Novruzali Mamedov against the Azerbaijani Ministry of Justice, the Penitentiary Service and its medical establishment, and also against Colony No. 15. In its turn, the Nizami District Prosecutor's Office has found no grounds for opening a criminal case in relation to N. Mamedov's death in the colony.

Maryam Mamedova, Novruzali's widow, demands to recognize violation of the right to life and payment of compensation of 3 million manats (about 3.6 million US dollars), as reported to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent by Ramiz Mamedov, Ms Mamedova's advocate.

The widow believes that her husband was not rendered the necessary medical aid during his imprisonment; therefore, he died.

At the preparatory session advocate R. Mamedov petitioned on requesting document on the course of treatment and medication appointed to Novruzali Mamedov. The court has satisfied the petition. The next session was appointed for October 15, at 3:00 p.m.

In its turn, the Nizami District Prosecutor's Office has finished the investigation into the fact of N. Mamedov's death in imprisonment. The Office refused to initiate a criminal case for lack of grounds.

In the meantime, the health condition of Novruzali's son Emil Mamedov, who got on September 26 in a road accident together with his mother, remains grave. As reported by Khilal Mamedov, head of the former committee in defence of Novruzali Mamedov's rights, the young man is still in the resuscitation ward with his both legs broken.

At the same time, Khilal Mamedov reported about detention of the driver of the KamAZ truck, which ran against the Mercedes driven by E. Mamedov.

The State Traffic Police of Azerbaijan has confirmed the fact of the road accident; however, refrained from comments, referring to "continued investigation."