Iranian court intends to decide fate of Azerbaijani poets within 15-20 days

The Iranian court will announce its decision in the case against Farid Gusein and Shakhriyar Gadjizade, young Azerbaijani poets, within 15-20 days. According to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent, this was announced today by Elman Abdullaev, Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Azerbaijan.

Poets Farid Gusein and Shakhriyar Gadjizade received an official invitation to Tehran to attend the presentation of the collection of poems of the local poet. On May 2, on their way back, they were arrested in Tabriz. They are accused of visiting Iran without permission from the authorities of the country.

Today, Elman Abdullaev reported that on August 22, representatives of the General Consulate of Azerbaijan were present in the court of the city of Tabriz, where they were told that the verdict in the case against the poets would be announced within 25-30 days.

When asked, whether the citizens of Azerbaijan were provided lawyers, Elman Abdullaev answered in negative. The Iranian side has refused to provide the poets with defenders. Referring to the legislation, the Iranian authorities also did not allow hiring Azerbaijani lawyers.

Relatives of the poets refrain from commenting on the criminal prosecution against Farid Gusein and Shakhriyar Gadjizade; they only refer to the detainees themselves and speak of innocence of the poets.