Rights defenders question legality of Isaev's deportation to Baku

The haste and non-transparency of the blogger Elvin Isaev's deportation from Ukraine to Azerbaijan cast doubt on its legitimacy, the Baku rights defenders interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" have noted.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on December 14, Elvin Isaev was detained in Ukraine "for violating the migration legislation" and deported to Azerbaijan, where he was placed into SIZO (pre-trial prison).

On December 16, Rasul Djafarov, the head of the Human Rights Club, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that there was virtually no information on the criminal prosecution of Isaev, which made commenting on the case difficult.

He noted, however, that he did not share the content of Isaev's video speeches.

"The style and manners of Isaev's performances are eccentric. He often violated ethical norms ... However, in any event, his case should be treated from the viewpoint of the rule of law. If he was illegally deported, they should return him back," Mr Djafarov has stated.

Gilal Mamedov, a member of the "Union for Freedom of Political Prisoners of Azerbaijan" and the "Public Council of Azerbaijani Talyshes", has also expressed doubts on the legitimacy of Isaev's deportation.

"The deportation process is not an immediate action. There must be a court decision, and the right to appeal against it. The haste and non-transparency of this process gives reason to believe that Isaev's extradition was a result of some behind-the-scenes agreements. Questions appear also about the failure to provide the public with exhaustive information about the charges against Isaev, whether he was provided with an advocate, and on what his custody conditions are. We don't know the essence of the charges, but most likely the reason for the arrest is revenge for his statements," Mr Mamedov believes.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on December 17, 2019 at 03:33 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.