20:15, 5 November 2013

Azerbaijan: defence of "Nida" and "Free Youth" activists asks court to close criminal case

Supporters of "Nida" and "Free Youth" activists in expectation of the court session near the building of the Court. Baku, November 5, 2013. Photo by Aziz Karimov for the "Caucasian Knot"

Today, in Baku, during a preliminary court session in the case against seven activists of the movement "Nida" and Ilkin Rustamzade, a member of the movement "Free Youth", accused of organizing mass riots, the defence has filed a motion to stop the criminal proceedings against the defendants.

Originally, the activists of the movement "Nida" were accused of possession of drugs and explosives, and Ilkin Rustamzade was accused of disorderly conduct. However, on September 12, all young people faced a new charge of organizing mass riots accompanied by arsons or pogroms. They face up to 12 years of imprisonment. The activists reject the charges.

All advocates have filed motions to close the criminal case or at least to change the pre-trial restriction measure to home arrest. They have explained their motions by the fact that the evidence of the investigation had been "obtained with violations of the law and that the case had been fabricated." Besides, the advocates have emphasized that the investigation has been completed and the defendants have no chances to affect the course of its development.

The preparatory court session is to be continued on November 14.

Author: Faik Medzhid

Source: CK correspondent