IRFS calls for release of Azerbaijani blogger Rashad Ramazanov

The Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety condemned the authorities of Azerbaijan for the “politically motivated” arrest of blogger Rashad Ramazanov and called on for his immediate release. The Rashad Ramazanov’s defence filed an appeal against his arrest.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that Rashad Ramazanov (also known as Rashad Agaaddin) was detained on May 20. On the other day, the Sabunchi District Court of Baku sent him under arrest for four months. The blogger was charged under Article 234.4.3 (large-scale drug trafficking). A spouse of Rashad Ramazanov suggests that her husband is being persecuted for his critical posts on the social media against the Azerbaijan’s authorities.

The Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS) issued a statement regarding the Rashad Ramazanov’s arrest. According to the human rights defenders, the blogger was tortured after his detention. “On the other day, despite all the obvious arguments in the political motive of the persecution, the judge pronounced a pre-trial restriction measure against the blogger in the form of a four-month arrest,” reads the human rights defenders’ statement received today by the “Caucasian Knot”.

The IRFS believes that “Rashad Ramazanov once again fell victim to the country’s authorities because of his critical posts.” The human rights defenders call on the Azerbaijan’s authorities to stop the politically motivated criminal prosecution of people for criticism and ensure fundamental rights guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights and the Constitution of Azerbaijan.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on May 24, 2022 at 12:09 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.