European Parliament calls on Azerbaijani authorities to ensure fair inquiry into detainee Mamedov's case

On June 13, the European Parliament passed a resolution on the arrest of the head of the civil movement "Republican Alternative" (ReAl) Ilgar Mamedov, and urged the Azerbaijani authorities to ensure "a prompt, fair, transparent and independent investigation of the charges against him."

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Ilgar Mamedov was arrested on February 4, 2013. He is accused of organizing mass riots in the Azerbaijani city of Ismailly on January 23-24, which later escalated into clashes with the police. On February 5, on the following day after Mamedov's arrest, the movement "ReAl" nominated him as a candidate for presidency at the upcoming election.

According to the information posted on the official website of the European Parliament, the deputies have "strongly condemned the arrest of Mamedov." They also call on the Azerbaijani authorities to respect the freedom of the press and the media and to ensure the freedom of expression, reform the country's legislation on defamation and fully respect the freedom of assembly.

Mamedov's colleagues have welcomed the decision of the European Parliament. However, they believe that if Mamedov is not released in the near future, then, the EU should impose sanctions against the officials involved in violating Mamedov's human rights.