At trial in Nakhichevan, Zeinal Bagirzade claims threat to his life

On February 29, in Azerbaijan, the Nakhichevan Court for Grave Crimes began a trial on case against the political activist Zeinal Bagirzade.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Zeinal Bagirzade, the head of the regional branch of the "Civil Movement for Democracy 'Public Chamber'" was arrested on December 26, 2011, on charges of falsifying documents about his participation in the liquidation of the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.

At the first court session, the defendant said that the reason for his arrest and pressure was in his political activities. He also stated that he had been subjected to physical and psychological pressure at the SIZO (pre-trial prison) of the Ministry of National Security (MNS). "The threat to my life has not disappeared. My brothers and my family are also in danger," the "Turan" quotes Zeinal Bagirzade.

The court session listened to witnesses' evidences. Two witnesses-doctors confirmed that Zeinal Bagirzade had been subjected to radiation exposure during the Chernobyl tragedy and has the legal status of an invalid, the "Contact Online News" reports.

During the time spent in custody, Zeinal Bagirzade's health has significantly deteriorated, the left side of his body is paralyzed; his vision and hearing have also deteriorated, the edition "Deyerler" reports.

Let us remind you that Zeinal Bagirzade had earlier stated that he was persecuted for political reasons: for his active civil position, his membership in the regional structure of the oppositional "Public Chamber", and for political activities of his brother Yashar Bagirsoi, who leads the regional organization of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA). Earlier, Yashar Bagirsoi had reported that immediately after the arrest his brother was subjected to torture.

The SIZO personnel have refused to comment on the statements made by relatives of Zeinal Bagirzade about physical and psychological pressure on him at that detention facility. The Prosecutor's Office and the Ombudsman of the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic have denied the allegations of torturing defendants.