In Azerbaijan, two PFPA activists sentenced to administrative arrest

In Azerbaijan, two activists of the "Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan" (PFPA) have been sentenced to different terms of administrative arrests. Members of the Party treat these detentions as politically motivated and associated with the activities of the arrested persons during the presidential election held on October 9.

According to the statement issued by the PFPA's press service, on October 17, PFPA activist Zaur Mamedov was detained by policemen at his home. The policemen told Zaur Mamedov that the police received a complaint from a citizen, whom Zaur Mamedov had allegedly insulted in the street.

On the same day, the Sabunchu District Court has sentenced Zaur Mamedov to 15 days of administrative arrest on charges of disorderly conduct.

The PFPA rejects charges and believes that the police arrested Zaur Mamedov "to punish him for his participation in opposition rallies and for his general activity during the election campaign."

On October 17, Iqbal Damirov, a member of the Gadjigabul District Office of the PFPA, was sentenced to 10 days of administrative arrest also on charges of disorderly conduct. According to the PFPA's press release, Iqbal Damirov was an observer at the presidential election and he "led a relentless struggle against the falsification of the election."