Azerbaijan: advocate of "Nida" activist appeals against extension of his client's custody

The Nasimi District Court of Baku has extended by two months the custody of Rashadat Akhundov, a member of the board of the civil movement "Nida" (Shout), accused of illegal arms possession and organizing mass riots. Today, Rashid Gadjily, Akhundov's advocate, has filed an appeal against the court decision.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Rashadat Akhundov is one of the seven "Nida" activists, arrested in Azerbaijan in March and April.

Rashid Gadjily has also explained that the defence had tried to achieve a short-term release of Akhundov for attending the funeral of his grandfather Anayaat Akhundov. According to the lawyer, the legislation has gaps on the issue.

In its turn, the press service of the General Prosecutor's Office said that "the law does not provide for any short-term leaves for the persons under investigation."

Let us remind you that on September 12 the seven "Nida" activists, including Rashadat Akhundov, kept in custody in Azerbaijan, were charged with organizing mass riots. When Rashadat's grandfather Anayaat Akhundov, 74, learned about it, he committed suicide by cutting his wrist veins.

The Amnesty International has recognized the seven young "Nida" activists and Ilkin Rustamzade, an activist of the civil movement "Free Youth", to be "prisoners of conscience".