In Azerbaijan, Ilgar Mamedov and Tofiq Yagublu to remain in custody for other three months

Periods of detention in custody of Ilgar Mamedov, the leader of the civil movement "Republic's Alternative" (ReAL), and Tofiq Yagublu, Deputy Chairman of the "Musavat" Party, were extended for three months till September 2013. This was announced today by the advocates of the oppositionists.

At the today's court session of the Nasimi District Court, Ilgar Mamedov refused to stand when Judge Shalala Gasanova entered the courtroom to protest against the investigators' motion to request for extension of the period of arrest for other three months. This was told to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent by Djavad Djavadly, the advocate of Ilgar Mamedov.

According to the advocate's story, the investigators have motivated the extension of the period of arrest by "the need for additional investigatory actions and questioning new witnesses" in connection with filing the charge of organizing mass riots instead of the initial charge of organizing actions aimed at violation of order.

However, the advocate has emphasized, Ilgar Mamedov claimed that his arrest and extension of his detention in custody represent an attempt to remove him "from participating in the political life of the country on the eve of the presidential election", in which he is to be one of the candidates.

However, Judge Gasanova has not taken into account the defence's arguments and pronounced the decision to extend the period of arrest for other three months. According to that decision, Ilgar Mamedov is to remain in custody till September 4.

Today, the period of arrest of Tofiq Yagublu, Deputy Chairman of the "Musavat" Party, has also been extended for three months, and the court's decision will be appealed. This was reported by advocate Nemat Kerimli. He treats the extension of the period of arrest as "ordered and politically motivated".