Today, the Nasimi District Court announced the sentence on the case of Azerbaijan National Statehood Party Head Nemat Panahli and his friend Jeyhun Farzullayev. The Judge Elman Ahmadov ruled for 6 years in jail for Panahli and 4 years in jail for Farzullayev.
Nemat Panahli, the Chairman of the Azerbaijan National Statehood Party, and his friend Jeyhun Farzullayev were arrested under charges brought by citizen Eldar Rzayev. A criminal case has been brought against Panahli under Article 221.3 of the Criminal Code (hooliganism committed with a weapon). He was then sentenced to 2 months of pre-trial detention. The dispute stemmed from sale of a car to the citizen by Panahli.
Panahli’s supporters claim that the real reason behind his arrest is his journalistic activity. He wrote a number of articles criticizing the government, published in various press outlets.
Panahli’s lawyer ELchin Aliyev told after the hearing that they would appeal against the decision.