In Azerbaijan, court leaves oppositionist Nigyar Yagublu in custody

Today, the Sumgait Appeal Court of Azerbaijan considered an appeal, filed by Nigyar Yagublu, the deputy head of the youth organization of the "Musavat" Party, who was accused of committing a road traffic accident. Judge Gusein Nabiev left the young woman in custody.

The complaint, which was considered today, was filed against the decision of the Apsheron Court, which on September 20 dismissed the defence motion to change the arrest with other pre-trial restriction measures, not related to keeping in custody.

The defendant was not brought to the Court to consideration of the appeal. Family members of the activists, journalists and members of the public support group were also not allowed to enter the courtroom. Only lawyers Nemat Kerimli and Aslan Ismailov were present at the trial. They told the journalist about the decision of the Judge.

Nemat Kerimli stated that "the consideration of the appeal was formal, and it was proved by the fact that they failed to bring the defendant to the court session." According to him, the arrest of Nigyar Yagublu was politically motivated.

No comments from the Apsheron District Police Department, which investigates the case, are unavailable.