Azerbaijani journalist Mirkadyrov not released from prison after his arrest term

The advocates of the Azerbaijani journalist Rauf Mirkadyrov report that their client is illegally kept in custody despite the expiry of his arrest term. They are not allowed to visit him and fear that he may be pressed.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Rauf Mirkadyrov, an observer of the Russian-language edition "Zerkalo" (Mirror), was accused of spying for Armenia. The journalist rejects all accusations.

Although Mirkadyrov's freedom restriction measure was appointed on April 21, his custody term is counted since April 19, when he was deported from Turkey and detained. The July 15 decision on extension of his custody ruled that the arrest should end on November 19, said Elmar Suleimanov, his advocate.

According to the Code of Criminal Procedure of Azerbaijan, if the period of detention was not extended before its completion, the SIZO (pre-trial prison) staff must release the detainee, Fuad Agaev, another advocate, has confirmed.

The fact that Mirkadyrov is not at large yet is a serious violation of the law, while non-admission of advocates to him is a violation of the right to defence, said the advocates; and one of them – Suleimanov has expressed fear that Mirkadyrov may be exposed to pressure.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.