Azerbaijan: at trial of "Nida" activists, defendant states illegal methods of investigation

At the trial in Baku of "Nida" activists, the father of the defendant Bakhtiyar Guliev said that detectives had planted drugs and "Molotov cocktails" during a search of their house.

The advocate of the defendant Shakhin Novruzlu petitioned to summon witnesses to establish the sources of the money confiscated from his client. The defendant Rashadat Akhundov rejected all the arguments presented by investigators and the Prosecutor's Office, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

Let us remind you that initially the activists had been accused of possessing narcotic drugs and explosives. On September 12, 2013, they saw new charges of organizing mass riots.

According to Akhundov, investigators used illegal methods during interrogations.

"Investigators, when the first three activists were arrested, told them to write down their name and add 'and others.' That is, they prepared the basis for arresting an indefinite number of activists," said Akhundov.

He also refuted the investigators' assertion that the "Nida" was supported by the US National Democratic Institute (NDI). "We've never received any NDI's grants. Moreover, we've criticized this American institution more than anyone," said the activist.

The trial will continue in two weeks – on March 28.