00:00, 21 January 2009

In Azerbaijan, head of Talysh Cultural Centre released from dungeon

On January 20, late at night, Novruzali Mamedov, 70, head of the Talysh Cultural Centre in Azerbaijan and editor-in-chief of the "Talyshi Sado" newspaper, was released from dungeon ahead of term. He is serving his 10 years of imprisonment for state treason.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent has learnt about it from Elchin Bekhbudov, head of the Committee Against Torture. The day before, Mr Bekhbudov visited Novruzali Mamedov in Colony No. 15. The human rights activist has noted that Mamedov was released from the dungeon, where he was put on January 14 for 15 days.

During Bekhbudov's meeting with Mamedov, the latter told him that he had been punished for answering a remark of a superintendent. Novruzali Mamedov told the human rights activist that he did not consider himself to be guilty and did not deserve the dungeon. He also complained of his health problems.

Author: Faik Medzhid

Source: CK correspondent