Agaev: Zaur Gasanov's act of self-immolation reveals problem with land ownership in Azerbaijan

Zaur Gasanov, who attempted self-immolation in protest against the demolition of the cafe owned by him, was driven to despair by bureaucratic arbitrariness and lack of a fair justice. This was stated by members of political parties and public organizations of Azerbaijan.

Zaur Gasanov, a disabled veteran of the Karabakh War, was pushed to the self-immolation attempt by hopelessness. This was told to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent by Fuad Gakhramanly, the deputy head of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA).

Fuad Gakhramanly believes that the society should not remain indifferent to such treatment of the war veteran. "The man sacrificed his health to protect native land. And at present, he is left without means of support," Fuad Gakhramanly has said.

The National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF) has issued a statement in connection with the self-immolation attempt committed by Zaur Gasanov and demanded that the authorities should conduct "a comprehensive investigation, restore the veteran's rights and punishment the persons guilty of bringing him to a suicide attempt."

The organization of the Karabakh War veterans has also expressed its solidarity with Zaur Gasanov.

"The incident that happened to Zaur Gasanov is a manifestation of disrespect to the persons who fought in Karabakh and defended their homeland and to the people of Azerbaijan in general. Look at the level of bureaucratic chaos in the country that brought the father of five children to an attempt of self-immolation," the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was informed by Etimad Asadov, the leader of the public association "Karabakh Veterans".

"Human rights aspect of the problem is evident here. Land owner rights were violated, the man was pushed to self-immolation and law enforcers should properly investigate this fact. The tragic incident once more brings forth the problem that Baku is still lacking proper land division laws", deputy head of NGO ‘Economic initiatives support’ Rovshan Agaev told the ‘Caucasian Knot’ correspondent.