Ali Kerimli: Azerbaijan's authorities prosecute Anar Mamedli for his fair civic attitude

In Azerbaijan, the investigation into the case against Anar Mamedli is held in violation of his rights, the charges filed are unfounded, and the very case demonstrates the authorities' willingness to eliminate independent NGOs. This was stated by participants of the committee created in Baku to protect the rights of the arrested leader of the Centre for Monitoring Elections.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on December 17, at the extraordinary meeting of civil society activists and opposition political forces of the country, which was held in the office of the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS), it was decided to establish the Public committee to protect the Anar Mamedli's rights.

Khafiz Gasanov, the leader of the NGO "Law and Development", believes that the criminal case against the Centre for Monitoring Elections and Democracy Training (CME&DT) and Anar Mamedli is politically motivated.

"Anar Mamedli is being prosecuted for monitoring the elections. The authorities do not want someone to be independently engaged in the elections. Probably, after the CME&DT, the turn of our organization will come," Khafiz Gasanov has said.

According to Ali Kerimli, the leader of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), the democratic forces of the country should be consolidated and actively address the protection of the arrested activists' rights. Ali Kerimli has proposed to establish a permanent coordination group and ensure its functioning by voluntary donations of citizens.

Egyana Gadjieva, an adviser to the leader of the "Musavat" Party, has invited to call on the international community to impose sanctions against the Azerbaijan's authorities for human rights violations.