In Azerbaijan, court considers claim of Mamedov's widow

Today, the Nasimin District Court of Baku, chaired by Ikram Shirinov, continued considering the claim lodged by the widow of Novruzali Mamedov, former head of the Talysh Cultural Centre and editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Tolyshi Sado" (Voice of Talysh) against the Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan, Penitentiary Service and its medical establishment, and also against Colony No. 15.

The widow believes that the prison had failed to render due medical aid to her husband, and it caused his death. Mariam Mamedova demands to recognize a violation of his right to life and adjudge compensation in the sum of 3 million manats (about 3.6 million US dollars).

At today's session, the court listened to Ramiz Mamedov, Ms Mamedova's advocate, and Elshan Gasanov, representative of the Penitentiary Service. As reported by Ramiz Mamedov to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent, the Penitentiary official had asserted that Novruzali Mamedov had died "a natural death."

"On our part, we informed the court that the Penitentiary Service in due time had failed to answer the requests about the reasons for application of disciplinary sanctions to Novruzali Mamedov, his placement into the dungeon and refusal to provide him with medical aid. All this gives grounds to believe that he had experienced a prejudiced attitude, which, finally, told on his health condition," said advocate Ramiz Mamedov.

The trial will continue on October 21, at 3:30 p.m.

In the meantime, the health condition of Novruzali's son Emil Mamedov, who got on September 26 into a traffic accident together with his mother, remains grave. Khilal Mamedov, who for a long time had been heading the committee in defence of Novruzali Mamedov's rights, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that in the nearest days Emil will undergo his leg surgery. He also has his ribs broken and lungs damaged.

According to Khilal, the investigation tries to present Emil Mamedov as the guilty part of the accident, although a "KamAZ" truck had rushed into his car. The driver of the truck was temporarily detained, but then released.

When asked whether there are grounds to see the road accident as a pre-planned action against Novruzali's family, Khilal Mamedov could not give any definite answer.