Azerbaijani oppositionist Fuad Akhmedli sentenced to four years in prison

The Baku Court for Grave Crimes has sentenced Fuad Akhmedli, a member of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), to four years of imprisonment. The defence treats the verdict as politically motivated and intends to challenge it.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Fuad Akhmedli, the leader of the Khatai branch of the PFPA Youth Committee, was accused of disclosing personal data of subscribers of the mobile network company in which he worked. Besides, investigators treat him and Faig Amirov, another PFPA's activist, as supporters of Turkish preacher Fethullah Gülen.

Today, the Court has listened to the final speeches of the advocate and the defendant. Advocate Asabali Mustafaev treated the preliminary and judicial investigation as biased.

"The investigation lasted eight months, but no investigative actions were taken. During that time, only three victims were found," said the advocate.

The defendant himself has stated that he "fell victim to political repression."

After the pronouncement of the verdict, on the street in front of the court building, about 30 activists chanted the slogans: "Fuad!" and "Freedom!" They also raised posters with Fuad Akhmedli's portraits.

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