The preliminary investigation of the criminal case against the opposition Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP) Deputy Chairman Fuad Gahramanli has been completed, lawyer Nemat Karimli told the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS).
Fuad Gahramanli was arrested on December 8, 2015. He is charged under Articles 281 (making appeals against the state) and 283 (incitement of national, racial, social or religious hatred and hostility) of the Criminal Code. On May 16, 2016, a new charge was brought against him under Article 220.2 (inciting to riot) of the Criminal Code.
According to Nemat Karimli, Fuad Gahramanli’s criminal case materials will be submitted to court in conjunction with the case materials of Taleh Bagirzade and his supporters charged in connection with Nardaran incidents.
Karimli said that the investigating authority has failed to find any legal grounds to link Fuad Gahramanli with Nardaran incidents, but has nevertheless decided that they should be tried jointly.
The lawyer added that the stage of familiarization with the case materials would start in a few days.