Tofig Mamedov, an activist of the Party of People’s Front of Azerbaijan (PPFA), was brought to the police on November 22. He was engaged in petty trade near the subway station Inshaatchilar.
Four days ago, the police demanded from him to stop criticizing the authorities in social networks due to the hunger strike of political prisoner Saleh Rustamov. When Mamedov said that he would continue his criticism, he was banned from trading.
On November 22, he posted slogans: “Freedom to political prisoners!” and “Police to resign!” at his retail outlet.
After that, he was taken to the 29th branch of the Yasamal district police department. There he was warned to stop his actions and told that he would be summoned again.
Note that Mamedov had earlier been harassed and administratively arrested three times in 2019.
The Interior Ministry could not be reached for comment.
Supporter of the Party of People’s Front of Azerbaijan (PPFA) Saleh Rustamov was arrested in May 2018 and sentenced to 7 years 3 months of imprisonment in the so-called “illegal financing of the PPFA” case. Human rights activists recognized him as a political prisoner. Subsequently, the Supreme Court reduced his sentence by 2 months. On November 6th, he has been on an open-ended hunger-strike demanding his release.