In Azerbaijan, arrest of four "Nida" activists extended

In Azerbaijan, the period of arrest of Rashad Gasanov, Bakhtiyar Guliev, Mamed Azizov and Shakhin Novruzlu, four young activists of the civil movement "Nida", was extended for three months. The today's decision of the Judge of the Nasimi District Court of Baku extended the detention of young people in custody till December 7.

Let us remind you that on March 7, Bakhtiyar Guliev, Shakhin Novruzlu and Mamed Azizov were detained on suspicion of inciting violence on the eve of the action of March 10 in Baku. On March 14, Rashad Gasanov was detained.

Investigators have motivated the extension of arrest of Rashad Gasanov by the need to carry out expertise and other investigative activities. This was told to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent by Asabali Mustafaev, an advocate of activist Rashad Gasanov.

According to the advocate's story, the prosecutors' arguments are "groundless, since no investigative actions are being carried out against Rashad Gasanov." According to the story of Asabali Mustafaev, Rashad Gasanov has said that he is still not aware of the reasons for his arrest.

Advocates of Rashad Gasanov and Mamed Azizov have stated that the court decision will be challenged at the Court of Appeal.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the international human rights organization "Amnesty International" has recognized the arrested activists of the movement "Nida" as "prisoners of conscience". The Azerbaijan's authorities reject the criticism from international organizations about the prosecution of citizens for political reasons.