In Azerbaijan, Musa Rakhim, PFPA activist, arrested for two months

The Nasimi District Court of Baku arrested for two months Musa Rakhim, an activist of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), on suspicion of hooliganism. This was reported by his advocate Asabali Mustafaev.

According to the advocate's report, Musa Rakhim was detained on April 30 in the Imishli District of Baku in connection with the incident that occurred on November 7, 2012, when, according to the information of the law enforcement agencies of Azerbaijan, Musa Rakhim and Dayanat Babaev, another activist of the PPFA, insulted citizen Tofiq Salimov and inflicted him minor injuries.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that, according to the story of Musa Rakhim and Dayanat Babaev, a citizen Tofiq Salimov introduced himself as a police officer and asked them to follow him. When the young men asked Tofiq Salimov to present his ID, he ran away. On November 24, 2012, Dayanat Babaev was detained, and he was released on recognizance not to leave.

The activists face charges with "Hooliganism committed by a grouping of persons" (Article 221.2.1 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan), and they can be sentenced to penalty of up to two years of correctional labour or up to five years of imprisonment.

"Despite the fact that Musa Rakhim and Dayanat Babaev were brought to responsibility for the same event, the criminal case was divided. We believe that is illegal, and I filed a motion to combine two criminal cases into one proceeding," said Asabali Mustafaev, who also defend the rights of Dayanat Babaev.

The advocate denies the charges against his clients. He also treats the arrest of Musa Rakhim groundless. "This decision is motivated by Musa Rakhim's avoiding the investigators. However, it is not true. He is located in the territory of the country, and he permanently publishes his messages in the media and social networks. We will challenge the Court's decision at the Court of Appeal," Asabali Mustafaev has said.

He believes that the criminal cases against Musa Rakhim and Dayanat Babaev are politically motivated and associated with their political activities. "Dayanat Babaev is the active participant of the protest actions; and he was repeatedly subjected to administrative arrest. Musa Rakhim is well known for his critical publications and human rights activities, especially in the regions," Asabali Mustafaev has stated.