Baku CoA leaves journalist Parviz Gashimli in custody

The Baku Court of Appeal (CoA) has dismissed the appeal filed by Parviz Gashimli, a journalist and a human rights defender, against his unlawful arrest and left him in custody. The defence intends to file one more motion to the court to change the pre-trial restriction measure for the period of investigation.

Let us remind you that on September 17, Parviz Gashimli, a staff member of the independent newspaper "Bizim Yol" (Our Way) and the director of the website "moderator.az", was detained by staff members of the Ministry of National Security (MNS) on charges of illegal possession of weapons. On September 18, the Sabail District Court of Baku arrested the journalist for two months.

During the today's consideration of the appeal, Parviz Gashimli has stated that the charges against him were fabricated and connected with his professional journalist and human rights activities. This was told to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent by Anar Gasymov, the journalist's advocate.

According to his information, Parviz Gashimli has asked the court to change the pre-trial restriction measure for home arrest. However, investigators have opposed that under the pretext that Parviz Gashimli "may hide from the investigators, commit new crimes, and put pressure on witnesses."

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that earlier, Kyamran Gashimli, the father of journalist Parviz Gashimli, said that in the recent days, the Azerbaijani MNS tried to persuade his son to cooperate with the secret services.

It should be noted that along with journalism, Parviz Gashimli is engaged in social activities. In particular, he is the leader of the public association "Centre for protection of political and civil rights of citizens."