Lawyer Elchin Gambarov stated on September 3 that the Baku Grave Crimes Court verdict issued against human rights defenders Leyla and Arif Yunus has been appealed. The lawyer also noted that when he met with Leyla Yunus on September 2, her health had not improved.
Arif Yunus’ lawyer Afgan Mammadov met with his client on September 1 at the Ministry of National Security detention facility, and found Yunus’ condition stable.
Background: Leyla and Arif Yunus were arrested in late July and early August 2014. Leyla Yunus was charged under articles 178.3.2 (large scale fraud), 192.2.2 (illegal entrepreneurship), 213.2.2 (tax evasion), 274 (treason), 320.1 and 320.2 (falsification of documents). Arif Yunus was charged under articles 178.3.2 (large scale fraud) and 274 (treason).
The prosecuting authority subsequently decided to investigate the treason charges in separate proceedings. Amnesty International has recognized Leyla and Arif Yunus as prisoners of conscience.
The Baku Grave Crimes Court has sentenced Leyla and Arif Yunus to 8 and a half and 7 years in jail respectively .