20:10, 26 March 2013

Popular Front activist detained in Azerbaijan

Dashgyn Melikov, an activist of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA) was detained in Sumgait on suspicion of making counterfeit money, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was informed by Abulfaz Gurbanly, the head of the youth committee of the above party.

According to his story, the 22-year-old Melikov was detained by persons in civilian clothes on March 25. Two fake 100-manat (about 127 US dollars) banknotes were found on him. The youth committee believes that the young man had kept them as a "souvenir".

According to the head of the youth committee of the PFPA, Melikov is in fact persecuted for political reasons, namely, for taking part in protest actions and critical expressions on the authorities in social networks.

The version of Melikov's detention because of his activeness in social networks is shared by Elchin Gasanov, a member of the Supreme Majlis of the PFPA. He also said that the arrested young man suffers from asthma.

The on duty unit of the Sumgait Police has confirmed the arrest Dashgyn Melikov, but refused to make any comments.

Author: Faik Medzhid

Source: CK correspondent