ECtHR recognizes resident of Azerbaijan victim of torture

The Azerbaijani authorities had failed to properly organize the inquiry into the complaint lodged by Ramil Pirgurban about his torture by the police, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has stated and appointed a compensation of 19,000 euros to the applicant.

Ramil Pirgurban, born in 1978, who was engaged in trading cars, was detained on March 6, 2010, in the city of Sumgait, his advocate Asabali Mustafaev told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"Policemen tried to force him to confess of drug dealing, in order to 'close the case' for a large bribe. However, he didn't have that money. Then, they charged him under Article 234.4.3 of the Criminal Code (large-scale illegal drugs circulation), which stipulates from 5 to 12 years in prison," said Mustafaev, adding that his client had denied the charge and was tortured by the power agents.

The decision on the case "Pirgurban vs. Azerbaijan" was posted today on the website of the ECtHR. The Court found violations of the applicant's rights, guaranteed by Articles 3 (prohibition of torture), 5 (right to liberty and security) and 6 (right to a fair trial) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

The ECtHR has ruled that Mr Pirgurban shall receive compensation in the amount of 15,000 euros and 4000 euros to reimburse his judicial expenses.

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