In the last statement of the World Organization against Torture, the torture cases in Azerbaijan were mentioned.
“The use of the torture and violation in Azerbaijan has spread broadly, especially during arrests and interrogations,” it is said in the statement. According to Radio Liberty, the organization expresses its worry about the deaths in the prison including the death Tolishi Sado” newspaper editor in chief, “Novruzeli Memmedov.
“Tolishi Sado” Newspaper Editor-in-chief N.Mammadov died in the Justice Ministry’s Penitentiary Services’ Central Hospital on 17 August 2009. In 2007, during a closed hearing, N.Mammadov was sentenced to a ten year imprisonment under article 274 (treason) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan Republic. However, N.Mammadov, who had Talysh nationality, did not consider himself guilty and claimed that his arrest was related to ethnic-political motives and freedom of speech.
The World Organization against Tortures talks about unfair arrests in Azerbaijan and gave an example the arrest of young bloggers Emin Milli and Adnan Hacizade. The organization stressed that the arrest of young bloggers was intended to prevent them from acting as independent and opposition journalists.
The organization expressed its worrying for ceasing the dialogue of the Azerbaijan’s government regarding the political prisoners.
On 8 July, at approximately 8:00 p.m., Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade were sitting at a table in “Lebonese” (Livan) restaurant along with several other young adults, when two people that looked like sportsmen came up to them, and attacked them causing physical injuries. Although they appealed to police as victims, police detained Adnan and Emin as suspected persons for 48 hours and freed the attackers. On 10 July, Sabail District Court issued a decision under article 221.2.1 (hooliganism) of the Criminal Code to sentence Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade to two months pre-trial detention. On July 20 the Appellate Court upheld the decision of the lower court. The investigation of the criminal case was concluded and a criminal case under articles 221.2.1 (hooliganism) and 127 (inflicting intentional minor bodily harm) was opened against E.Millli and A.Hajizade and the case was sent to court to be considered.