Intigam Aliev receives IBA Human Rights Award

In Azerbaijan, the practice of imprisonment of human rights defenders and public activists on false charges is widespread, and all political prisoners in the country deserve awards for protection of human rights. This was declared by Intigam Aliev, the head of the organization "Legal Education Society", in connection with his award of the International Bar Association (IBA).

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported on April 22 a Baku court found Intigam Aliev, the head of the "Society of Legal Enlightenment" (SLE) guilty of economic crimes. His advocates appealed against the verdict. On July 6, the Baku Court of Appeal dismissed the defence's appeal; and on July 21 upheld the verdict.

The award ceremony took place on the final day of the annual conference of the International Bar Association (IBA), held in Vienna on October 4-9. The conference was attended by representatives of 135 countries and numerous international organizations, including the UN.

At the award ceremony, Intigam Aliev was represented by his daughter Narmin Kamilsoy and son Nedjmin Kamil.

"Intigam Aliev is a courageous and self-sacrificing human rights defender. His activities are an example of how the activities of lawyers for the protection of human rights in various parts of the world can be fraught with problems and dangers. The example of Intigam Aliev should be a source of inspiration to all members of the IBA," said at the award ceremony IBA President David Rivkin as quoted in the IBA's press release.

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