Court refuses to consider Ali Kerimli's claim against Azerbaijani MIA

The Baku court refused to consider a claim filed by Ali Kerimli, the leader of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), about the refusal to issue a passport for him. The opposition leader regarded the court's decision as politically motivated and announced his intention to challenge it.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on January 27, it became known that Ali Kerimli filed a claim against the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Azerbaijan because of its refusal to issue a passport for him. Meanwhile, the MIA has been refusing in issuing the document for 14 years.

The consideration of the claim filed by Ali Kerimli against the Azerbaijani MIA and the Department for Passports, Registration, and Migration was scheduled at the Baku Administrative Court for February 20.

During the hearing, Fakhraddin Mekhdiev, an advocate of Ali Kerimli, claimed a violation of freedom of movement, one of the fundamental rights, with respect to Ali Kerimli.

However, Alirza Abilov, a MIA's legal representative, spoke against the consideration of the claim. "Azerbaijani courts have already considered the Ali Kerimli's claim and found the refusal to issue a passport for him as lawful. The courts' decisions have not been cancelled, and, therefore, there is no need to return to the question," Rzaev stated.

The judge made a decision on the unacceptability of the claim and refused to consider it.

Ali Kerimli himself considered the court's decision and the refusal to issue a passport for him as politically motivated. "The regime is afraid of exposure by the opposition from international stands," Ali Kerimli told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on February 21, 2020 at 10:10 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.