“Muslim Unity” activist sentenced to six years of imprisonment in Azerbaijan

In Baku, a court found Razi Gumbatov, an activist of the “Muslim Unity” movement, guilty of drug trafficking and sentenced him to six years of imprisonment. The police dispersed the believers who came to the court building to support the activist, and several people were detained, Zafar Akhmedov, a member of the “Line of Defence” NGO, reported.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on July 7, 2021, Razi Gumbatov was detained and charged with large-scale drug trafficking. The case against Razi Gumbatov was fabricated, the true reason for the persecution was the activist’s posts criticizing the Azerbaijani authorities on social media, colleagues of Razi Gumbatov suggested.

According to advocate Djavad Djavadov, Razi Gumbatov pleaded not guilty and claimed that the criminal case had been falsified. The advocate also stated that Razi Gumbatov had been subjected to torture.

Zafar Akhmedov, a member of the “Line of Defence” NGO, noted that the trial in the Razi Gumbatov’s case was actually held behind closed doors. The human rights defender believes that “the investigation and trial were accompanied by gross violations of the law.”

The Union “For Freedom of Azerbaijani Political Prisoners” recognized Razi Gumbatov as a political prisoner.

Activists from the “Muslim Unity” movement say that Razi Gumbatov has been a member of the NGO for about five years and is very active on social media. He criticized violations of the rights of citizens, lawlessness of officials, and social injustice. Razi Gumbatov has also been a hardline drug fighter, notes a spokesperson of the “Muslim Unity” movement.