Court dismisses appeal filed by defence of Akif Muradverdiev, former head of presidential administration of Azerbaijan

The Baku Court of Appeal of Azerbaijan dismissed the appeal filed by the defence of Akif Muradverdiev, the former head of the president administration, accused of smuggling, to cancel the decision of the first instance and to release the defendant on bail. The Court left Akif Muradverdiev in custody.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the court pronounced the pre-trial restriction measure to Akif Muradverdiev in the form of arrest for two months. On July 5, the court considered the motion to release Akif Muradverdiev on bail. The court dismissed the motion.

"Unfortunately, once again, the courts violate the rights of Akif Muradverdiev. The Court dismissed the complaint on the pretext that Akif Muradverdiev can hide from investigators. Meanwhile, the Court did not take into account the age, state of health or social position of Akif Muradverdiev. Money deposit guarantees that Akif Muradverdiev will not flee away. Indeed, even the minimum amount of money deposit for bail is 10,000 manats (about 12,730 US dollars)," said Fuad Agaev, an advocate of Akif Muradverdiev.

According to the advocate's report, after the arrest, no investigating actions are still being carried out with regard to Akif Muradverdiev. The advocate treats the case against Akif Muradverdiev as politically motivated. The advocates believe that "on the eve of the presidential election, the authorities conduct preventive arrests of former influential public figures of the ruling elite to prevent their support of the opposition."