In Azerbaijan, public movement "ReAl" founds political party

In Azerbaijan, the public movement "Republican Alternative" (ReAl) has begun the process of transformation into a political party with the same name. The "ReAl" sees its programme goal in the transformation of Azerbaijan from a presidential into a parliamentary republic, construction of democratic society, and, in the future, Azerbaijan's integration into the EU and NATO.

On May 28, Baku hosted the founding conference of the initiative group on creation of the party. The event was timed to the Republic Day celebrated in the country.

The creation of the movement "ReAl" was announced in 2008, and it began its activities in January 2009. The number of activists of the public movement reaches about 1200 people. Ilgar Mamedov is the undisputed leader of the public movement.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Ilgar Mamedov was accused of organizing riots that occurred on January 23-24, 2013, in the town of Ismailly. Despite criticism from the international community and human rights organizations, Ilgar Mamedov was sentenced to seven years of imprisonment. He pleaded not guilty. On May 22, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) granted the complaint filed by Ilgar Mamedov against the unlawful arrest and recognized violation of the complainant's rights as guaranteed by the European Convention of Human Rights.

See earlier reports: Azerbaijan: Anar Mamedli sentenced to 5.5 years in prison, In Azerbaijan, at trial of Anar Mamedli prosecution witnesses testify in favour of defendants, In Azerbaijan, trial against Anar Mamedli, CEMDT head, to start on April 21.