Journalist Ilkin Mamedli detained in Azerbaijan

Policemen detained a freelance journalist Ilkin Mamedli; his advocate has failed to figure out the reasons.

Mamedli was detained after on November 8, he turned to the ASAN's "one window" service in the Bakikhanov dwelling settlement in Baku for obtaining his passport, Samira Agaeva, a lawyer and a human rights defender, who is also a deputy chair of the D-18 movement, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

“He was told there that he would not be able to get his passport because he was banned from leaving the country. From there, Ilkin Mamedli was taken to the security room, where the police were called. In 15 minutes, he was brought to the Baku police station; and one hour later, they reported from the station that Ilkin Mamedli was handed over to the GUBOP (the Chief Department for Combating Organized Crime of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), – note of the "Caucasian Knot")," Ms Agaeva has reported.

In the morning, Ilkin's father and an advocate came to the GUBOP, but they were not provided with any information. The advocate was not let to see the detainee," Samira Agaeva has explained.

Elshan Gasanov, the head of the Monitoring Centre of Political Prisoners, has linked policemen's actions with the Mamedli's professional activities.

"Most probably, his detention has to do with his journalistic work and an active civil stance. He was earlier arrested on a far-fetched accusation of petty hooliganism. This happened right during the mass arrests of believers because of Nardaran events, which Mamedli covered," Mr Gasanov told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on November 9, 2018 at 08:01 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.