03 July 2020, 18:47
Activist calls on President of Azerbaijan to pardon political prisoners
In his petition to the president of Azerbaijan, activist Anar Mamedli noted that in country's penitentiary institutions, prisoners face the risk of the coronavirus infection. The activist called for mercy on political prisoners and people who did not commit serious crimes.
The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that by July 2, in Azerbaijan, the number of coronavirus-infected people reached 18,684, and 228 people died. The authorities extended the strict quarantine regime until July 20.
Activists and human rights defenders supported the campaign on the website "Change.org". Anar Mamedli, an author of the petition, the head of the Centre for Election Monitoring and Democracy Education (CEMDE), has noted that "infection in prisons can cause a chain reaction."
According to Anar Mamedli, the president could grant amnesty and pardon for prisoners sentenced to up to three years old, women, minors, war veterans, persons over 60 years old, and political prisoners from the lists prepared by human rights defenders and the PACE resolution of January 30, 2020.
"There are more than 100 political prisoners in the country, and their release would be an act of good will," said Samir Kazymly, one of the activists who signed the petition.
On June 23, 158 people are included in the updated list of the human rights Union "For Freedom of Political Prisoners of Azerbaijan".
In April, President Ilham Aliev signed a decree on the early release of 176 prisoners over 65 years old who needed special care in connection with COVID-19. The number of the released prisoners included only two political prisoners, but also included generals sentenced for committing dozens of crimes.
This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on July 3, 2020 at 11:46 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.
Author: Faik Medjid Source: CK correspondent
