After meeting with the NAR parliament head Vasif Taliibov and other official institutions on the first day of the visit (21 February), the ambassodors met Institute for Reporter’s Freedom and Safety regional correspondents in Nakhcivan Elman Abbasov and Hekimeldostu Mehdiyev, Democracy nd NGOs Development Resource Center representatives Ilgar Nasibov and Melahet Nasibova. During the meeting there were discussions on human rights, democracy and freedom of speech. Then the ambassadors met Umid and Musavat Party’s representatives in Nakhchivan.
CLOSED HEARING ON PROCEDURAL VIOLATIONS DURING YOUTH ACTIVIST’S ARREST
On February 22nd, Sumgayit City Court heard the next stage of the lawsuit against the police officers accused violating protocol during the arrest and interrogation of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party youth member Jabbar Savalanli, who has been charged with drug possession. Judge Elman Mammadov presided over the hearing.
Savalanli`s lawyers Anar Gasimov and Ashabali Mustafayev were present at the closed hearing.
Jabbar Savalanli was arrested on February 5, in front of his apartment building. He is being charged with possession of narcotics. Sumgayit District Court sentenced him to 2 months of pre-trial detention. During his initial arrest, he was beaten and his preliminary testimony was taken without a lawyer being present.
Local human rights organizations and youth organizations believe that the arrest was political and that Savalanli is being punished for his criticism of the ruling regime.