00:20, 16 March 2014

AI demands to immediately release Ilgar Mamedov and Tofig Yagublu in Azerbaijan

Tofig Yagublu and Ilgar Mamedov accused in the case of Ismailly events should be released immediately. This was stated by Denis Krivosheev, Europe and Central Asia Deputy Director of the human rights organization "Amnesty International" (AI).

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the court hearings on the case of riots in Ismailly began on November 30, 2013. On February 24, the prosecutor presented his final speech and asked the court to pronounce verdicts of guilty to all 18 defendants and sentence them to up to 9 years of imprisonment. The court has scheduled the sentencing for March 17.

Denis Krivosheev, AI Deputy Director, has stated that Tofig Yagublu and Ilgar Mamedov are held in prison on fabricated charges. This was reported by the "contact.az" on March 15.

"It seems to me, nothing would stop the Azerbaijani authorities that intend to suppress the dissent. Tofig Yagublu and Ilgar Mamedov have just visited Ismailly to observe and highlight the events occurring there. They are simply punished for criticizing the authorities... Tofig Yagublu and Ilgar Mamedov should be released immediately," Denis Krivosheev has stated.