In Azerbaijan, court arrests activist Murad Adilov

In Azerbaijan, the court has arrested Murad Adilov, an of the activist Sabirabad district organization of the opposition Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), suspected of illegal possession and sale of drugs. The activist is the brother of Natiq Adilov, a presenter of the on-line programme "Azerbaijani Hour" broadcasted on the website of the opposition newspaper "Azadlyg".

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on August 11, policemen came to the house of the Adilov brother's parents and conducted a search there. After the search, the policemen detained Murad Adilov. Journalist Natiq Adilov associates the criminal proceedings against his brother with his own professional activities and the oppositional activities of Murad Adilov himself.

After his detention, Murad Adilov was brought to the Sabirabad police station, and later, he was transferred to Baku, reported Yalchin Imanov, an activist's advocate.

According to the advocate, a charge with illegal possession and sale of drugs on a large scale is a "standard charge" used against activists, journalists, and bloggers. The advocate has announced the intention to challenge the court's decision of arrest at the Court of Appeal.

In case Murad Adilov is found guilty, he may face 5-12 years of imprisonment.