Azerbaijani oppositionist arrested for 30 days

Rovshan Guliev, a member of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), detained in his apartment after a search, was arrested for 30 days on the charge of disobeying the police. The Guliev's case was fabricated, party activists assert.

The detention of Guliev took place on February 18, along with the search of his apartment and the seizure of his computer, said Nureddin Mamedli, the head of the Supreme Majlis of the PFPA.

On February 19, a court in Baku found Guliev guilty of disobeying policemen's legitimate demands.

"We are convinced that the accusation is far-fetched. Guliev has been away from political activities for five years due to his serious illness," said Mamedli.

Irada Nariman, the Deputy Chair of the PFPA's Supreme Majlis, has stated the court's biased attitude to Guliev, who has serious health problems.

"He was at the origins of the Popular Front in late 1980s ... Five years ago, due to his serious illness, he quitted the active political life, but did not lose contact with the PFPA," Ms Nariman has added.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Makhir Rustamli and Idayat Rasulzade, activists of the PFPA, who were detained on February 11 during the trial of a party member in Sumgait, were found guilty of petty hooliganism.