20:17, 14 May 2014

Leader of "Promoting Democracy" arrested in Azerbaijan

On May 14, the Salyan District Court of Azerbaijan has ruled to restrict the freedom of Emil Mamedov, the head of the non-governmental organization (NGO) "Promoting Democracy", who is charged of extortion, by a three-month arrest. The activist denies the accusation and treats it as politically motivated.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on May 13 Emil Mamedov was detained on suspicion of extortion, after on April 17 Tofig Gasymov, an activist of the above NGO, testified, at the confrontation with Mamedov, against him.

Igrar Mamedov, Emil's brother, believes that the session that decided to arrest Mamedov was held without a lawyer. Irgar told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that on May 13 Emil Mamedov rejected the services of the state-appointed advocate.

"He's flatly refused the appointed advocate, because he doesn't trust him. Prior to detention, Emil told us again that a criminal case was fabricated against him on a slanderous accusation, and he is punished for exposing corruption in the district", said Igrar Mamedov.

Author: Faik Medzhid

Source: CK correspondent