Parents and relatives of persons convicted on the “Tovuz case” (terrorism financing) tried to hold a protest rally on the morning of August 9 by blocking the Parliamentary Avenue.
They believe that their children have been convicted unfairly and demand their release. For some time, the protesters managed to prevent the motor traffic. However, the police squads that arrived in time pushed the citizens away from the roadway.
At present, complaints against the verdict are currently considered by the Baku Court of Appeal. On July 27, the convicts went on a hunger strike.
Also, the parents voiced their concern for health and lives of their children. “At the trial, they told about tortures, everyone was crying, but no legal assessment have so far been, they are treated worse than prisoners,” one of the protesters noted.
At present, complaints against the verdict are considered by the Baku Court of Appeal. Since July 27, the convicts have been on a hunger strike.
It should be reminded that the defendants of the case were arrested several years ago on charges of war participants in Syria as a part of illegal armed groups. They are specifically charged with Articles 167-2.2.1 (illegal production, import and distribution of religious literature), 167-3. 1 (illegal trafficking of religious extremist literature), 214 (terrorism) and 218 (creation of criminal community) of the Criminal Code. The trial began in February 2020. However, due to the pandemic, the process was adjourned for a long time.
The trial resumed this year, and at one of the sessions the defendants inflicted cut wounds on themselves protesting against the unjustified arrest. The defendants declared their non-involvement in ISIL.
On May 4, the court sentenced the defendants from 2.5 to 8 years of imprisonment.