ECtHR starts considering complaint of Azerbaijani oppositionist about passport non-issuance

On February 7, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) adopted to the consideration the complaint filed by Ali Kerimli, the leader of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), about the failure of the authorities of the country to issue a passport to him. Because of its lack, Ali Kerimli cannot leave the country for about 7 years.

The Azerbaijani authorities will have to answer the questions posed by the ECtHR. Intigam Aliev, the leader of the Legal Education Society, who represents the interests of Ali Kerimli at the ECtHR, has explained the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that the government will offer to settle the matter independently with a view to remove it from consideration by the Strasbourg court or the ECtHR will pronounce the decision, and, in all likelihood, it will be in favour of Ali Kerimli.

Intigam Aliev treats the reasons mentioned by the Azerbaijani authorities for the refusal to issue a regular passport to Ali Kerimli as "absurd and politically motivated".

Thus, the reason for the refusal to issue the passport was the criminal case initiated against the leader of the PFPA yet in 1994 under Article of illegal possession of weapon. At that time, Ali Kerimli was arrested at the opposition rally unsanctioned by the authorities, and he allegedly had two anti-tank grenades with him.

However, under pressure from local and international organizations, Ali Kerimli was released from custody, and the criminal case against him was halted in December 1995.