International organizations concerned about Azerbaijan human rights activist's fate

Executive Director of the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights Aaron Rhodes made a request to Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan Zakir Garalov, asking to release from custody Ilgar Ibragimoglu, leading coordinator of the Centre for Protection of Conscience and Religious Freedom (DEVAMM) and Secretary General of the Azerbaijan Chapter of the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA).

Ilgar Ibragimoglu was arrested on December 2, when he came to the Investigation Department on Grave Crimes under the Prosecutor General's Office to give evidence.

On December 3, the Nasiminsky District Court of Baku chose a preventive punishment for him in the form of 3-month arrest. Ibragimoglu is charged with organization of the October 16 mass riots in Baku, despite the fact that evidence was produced to the investigation bodies that he did not participate in any mass riots and clashes with the police.

The arrest of the well-known human rights activist has had a profound effect on the human rights movement and democratic public all over the world.

The World Organization Against Torture (OMTC), the international human rights organization "Forum 18", the Oslo Coalition on Freedom of Religion or Belief, and the U.S. Department of State are urging the release of Ibragimoglu.