22:12, 20 December 2014

Rauf Mirkadirov's family granted political asylum in Switzerland

Rauf Mirkadirov. Photo: http://ru.1in.am/32124.html

Family members of the Azerbaijani journalist Rauf Mirkadirov have received official notification of the court that they were granted political asylum in Switzerland.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Rauf Mirkadirov, an observer of the Russian-language edition "Zerkalo" (Mirror), was accused of espionage in favour of Armenia. The journalist denies all the accusations; his colleagues and international human rights organizations condemn his persecution; however, on November 20, Mirkadirov's custody was extended by five months.

On December 17, the court of the city of Bern considered the status of Rauf's family members – his wife Adele Babakhanov and elder daughter Suad.

Besides, the documents submitted by international human rights organizations and the relevant Swiss agencies were considered, the "Contact.az" reports.

Three days later, on December 20, Mirkadirov's family received an official notification of the court that their appeal for political asylum in Switzerland was satisfied, the Azeri portal "Haqqin.az" reports.

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