In Azerbaijan, Ilgar Mamedov, leader of ReAl, remains in custody

Today, the Nasimi District Court of Baku has extended for two months, till November 4, the period of detention of Ilgar Mamedov, the leader of the civil movement "Republican Alternative" (ReAl), accused of organizing mass riots. This was reported by his advocate Fuad Agaev.

Ilgar Mamedov is charged of organizing mass riots in Ismailly on January 23-24. He is kept in custody since February 4. Ilgar Mamedov pleads not guilty, and he claims that he came to Ismailly with the intention to study the situation and that he just talked to local residents.

According to the version of Fuad Agaev, Judge Azer Pashaev "formally considered the presentation of the General Prosecutor's Office to extend the period of arrest under the pretext of 'the complexity of the circumstances of the criminal case'." The defendant and the advocate do not agree with the decision and intend to file a complaint.

According to the story of Ilgar Mamedov's advocate, his client has protested against extension of the period of detention and claimed the political nature of the criminal case against him. Besides, he has claimed that he faces artificial barriers against his nomination for the upcoming presidential election to be held on October 9.

Ilgar Mamedov states that at the SIZO (pre-trial prison), the administration does not allow a notary to visit him to draw up a power of attorney to authorize a representative of the leader of the movement "ReAl" to submit the documents to the Central Election Commission (CEC). The defendant has claimed that the SIZO Chief also refuses to certify the signature of Ilgar Mamedov.