Azerbaijan: defendants speak at the trial of oppositionists detained on April 2

At the Sabail District Court in Baku, three out of four defendants, arrested for taking part in the meeting on 2 April, were given the floor for their last plea.

The defendant Arif Gadjily said, "No crimes were committed at the rally."

"It was an ordinary rally; while the excessive cruelty of the authorities against the protesters and arrests of activists pursued the aim not to admit the spread of 'Arab spring' over Azerbaijan," said Gadjily.

He stressed the dedication exhibited not only by political prisoners but also by their advocates, and pointed to the unfair dismissal from litigation and termination of powers of the advocate Elchin Namazov (at this trial, he defended Fuad Gakhramanly, - note of the "Caucasian Knot").

The defendant Fuad Gakhramanly said that this trial "was not judicial but political." He noted, "No arrests will break the activists' will and stop their struggle."

Tural Abbasly said that the arrests of activists pursue the aim to intimidate the youth. He noted, "Windows were smashed and cars were damaged not by the protesters, but by criminal inspectors of the Nasimin District Police, dressed as civilians." He called the youth to actively fight for their rights and democratization of the country.

The fourth defendant - Muhammed Medjidli - referred to his poor health and refused to speak, asking the court to postpone the session for another day.

In response, Judge Nasibov accused Medjidli of deliberate protracting the trial. Nevertheless, after retiring for a while, he appointed the next session for October 3.

According to advocates, judging by Nasibov's haste to complete the trial, on October 3 he will read out the verdict.

As usual, the courthouse was surrounded by plenty of policemen. Nevertheless, defendants' supporters accompanied them by chanting "Freedom!" and "Resign!"