In Azerbaijan, dismissed student states repressions for criticism

Student Parviz Azimov was dismissed from the Lenkoran State University situated in the south of Azerbaijan. The student is confident that the reason of his dismissal was his article "Corruption Scandal in Lenkoran University". He told about it on April 16 at a press conference held at the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS).

According to Azimov, he was a good student, which is confirmed by his marks, teachers and other students. "Therefore, nobody believes in the version of university bosses that I was fired for breaking discipline and violating the order. It's absurd," said Mr Azimov.

"I regard my expulsion as repressions and plan to fight for justice by bringing an action against the bosses of the university," the student continued.

According to Parviz Azimov, extortion of bribes from students is standard at the Lenkoran University, and he just tried to bring it to the focus.

It proved impossible to get any comments at the University. Its administration refused to talk to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent by phone as soon as Azimov's name was mentioned.

The press service of the Ministry of Education has refrained from any comments, having noticed that "the point is under study".