14:45, 25 August 2007

Oppositional activist arrested in Azerbaijan

Musa Ragim, leader of the Imishli Regional Organization of the Party of National Independence, was arrested for his protests against arbitrariness of local authorities. The country's law enforcement bodies accuse the activist of "resisting and inflicting bodily injuries" to four policemen.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent has learnt about it from Ali Orudzhev, head of the press service of the Party of National Independence of Azerbaijan (PNIA).

Mr Orudzhev has noted that the Party gave a prompt reaction to the arrest of its activist. In its corresponding statement the PNIA demands immediate release of Musa Ragim and declares that the arrest of a member of the oppositional party is another evidence of the fact of brutal violations of human rights in Azerbaijan.

In its turn, the Parliament of Azerbaijan has stated that they are dealing with the issue.

Author: Zaur Rasulzade, CK correspondent