Azeri SC upholds verdict to oppositionist Said Mamedzade

The decision of the Baku Court on the case of the oppositionist and athlete, Said Mamedzade, was upheld by the country's Supreme Court (SC). His advocate believes that the complaint was considered formally. Mamedzade himself treats the verdict as politically motivated.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Said Mamedzade was arrested on charges of hooliganism in May 2020. The Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA) stated that the charges had been fabricated. On April 28, 2021, the court sentenced Mamedzade to 3.5 years in prison. Human rights defenders treat the athlete's verdict as revenge for his supporting the opposition.

Elshan Gasanov, the head of the Centre for Monitoring Political Prisoners, has called Mamedzade's verdict "a manifestation of a new dangerous trend in authorities' policies" and a possible start of a new wave of repressions.

Tezekhan Miralamli, a member of the NGO "Defence Line" believes that Mamedzade is being persecuted for political reasons. "The PFPA is the party that is most subjected to repressive measures because of its irreconcilable opposition activities ... At least seven PFPA activists are now serving their long prison terms or are under investigation," Mr Miralamli has informed.