Arif Yunus released under recognizance not to leave (+video)

The Court of Appeal has released the Azerbaijani political scientist Arif Yunus from custody because of deterioration of his health. Arif has demanded to release his wife, the human rights activist Leyla Yunus.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Leyla Yunus, the Director of the Institute of Peace and Democracy (IPD) and her husband Arif Yunus were accused of economic crimes and treason. On August 13, Leyla Yunus, was sentenced to 8.5 years of imprisonment, and Arif Yunus – to 7 years in prison. The spouses denied their guilt and declared the political nature of their case. The verdict was appealed against.

Today, the Baku Court of Appeal has considered the issue of releasing Arif Yunus for the time the verdict is challenged. Its judgement was based on a letter from the Chief Medical Department of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), stating, with reference to the German doctor Christian Witt, the deterioration of Arif's health.

The prosecutor opposed the release judgement; and Arif Yunus demanded liberation of his wife from custody. The judgement passed; and Arif was released in the courtroom, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

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