Azerbaijan: health condition of arrested "Nida" activist deteriorates, his advocate asserts

The advocate and relatives of Zaur Gurbanly, an activist of the civil movement "Nida" (Shout), who was arrested on charges of illegal possession of explosives and drugs, express concern for the health of the young man. The authorities should release the sick person, civil society activists insist.

In recent weeks, Zaur's health is steadily deteriorating, his father Araz Gurbanly told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent. "He has problems with his spleen and kidney function." According to the father, his son needs "skilled treatment that is impossible in prison."

Keeping a sick person in custody, especially when his guilt has not been proved, and there is every reason to believe that he is innocent, violates the basic principles of humanity, said Azerbaijani lawyer Aslan Ismailov.

"There are no real testimonies and no evidence against Zaur. He is kept behind bars only because of his political views. Investigators someday will have to answer for keeping in custody the sick young man, who has a brilliant intellect. The government should use the potential of talented people, and do not throw them in jail," Aslan Ismailov told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.