In Azerbaijan, Mamed Azizov, "Nida" activist, to stay under arrest for two months more

On May 2, the Nasimi District Court of Baku extended the arrest of Mamed Azizov, an activist of the civil movement "Nida" (Shout), accused of illegal possession of drugs, till July 7.

Fariz Namazly, the Mamed Azizov's advocate, has reported that at the court session held on May 2 his client pleaded not guilty and said that the drugs were planted to his rented apartment by law enforcement agents, who conducted the search.

The Court has dismissed the defence's motion to replace his detention in custody with house arrest.

Meanwhile, the Court granted the motion of the Investigatory Department of Grave Crimes of the General Prosecutor's Office to extend the investigation till July 7.

Advocate Fariz Namazly treats the extension of detention in custody as groundless. "In fact, practically no investigation actions are carried out on the case against Mamed Azizov. Therefore, his detention in custody could be replaced with home arrest, and, the investigators could summon the defendant for investigation actions, when necessary," the advocate has explained.

He said that the decision of the Nasimi Court would be appealed at the Baku Court of Appeal. Besides, the advocate intends to file a motion for re-interrogation of the defendant, since "he gave the primary testimony at the Ministry of National Security under pressure." On the other hand, according to the advocate's version, the investigators violated the presumption of innocence of Mamed Azizov, when his primary testimony was shown on TV.