Court refuses to investigate Salaev's allegation of torture

Alizamin Salaev, an activist of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA) has told at the trial that he had been tortured by law enforcers, but the court rejected the defence's motion demanding to investigate this statement.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on January 13, 2020, Alizamin Salaev was sentenced to 30 days of administrative arrest for spreading a video in social networks criticizing a policeman. On January 22, Ali Kerimli, the PFPA leader, and Salaev's son stated that after detention, Alizamin was tortured. However, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) refuted the torture allegations.

The consideration of Salaev's complaint was held on February 5, in the Baku Court of Appeal (BCA), under the chairmanship of Judge Mirzali Abbasov.

Salaev testified by telling in detail about the torture he was subjected to in one of the branches of power structures after the first-instance court verdict. The activist noted that he still feels pain from received bodily injuries.

He asserts that his political activities are the real reason for his arrest. "I was arrested for the fourth time within the last month. I am punished for my political activities, for exposing corrupt actions of officials, law enforcers and other authorities' servants," Mr Salaev has emphasized.

Djavad Djavadov, his advocate, told the court that his client's torture allegations should be investigated. However, the court has rejected the motion.

The defence has disagreed with the judgement. "The court is obliged to react to torture complaints. Next, we'll obviously turn to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR)," said the advocate.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on February 5, 2020 at 09:21 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.