Why are young people being arrested?

Baku/08.07.23/Turan: In the wake of the apprehension of Afiyaddin Mammadov, the chairman of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Azerbaijan under the "Democracy 1918" Movement, another member of the Confederation, Elvin Mustafayev, has also been detained. Mustafayev faces accusations of engaging in large-scale drug trafficking, as outlined in Article 234.4.3 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia. Following legal proceedings, a four-month detention period was decreed by the court as the extreme measure of restraint.

On August 1, a gathering of food delivery couriers convened to stage a protest rally against the police impounding their vehicles (mopeds). Among the demonstrators were individuals affiliated with the Confederation of Trade Unions Işçi Masası ("Desktop"). Confirming the detention of Elvin Mustafayev, the Ministry of Internal Affairs' press service revealed the ongoing investigation into the matter.

On the evening of August 1, Afiyaddin Mammadov, the chairperson of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Azerbaijan under the "Democracy 1918" Movement, who had participated in the couriers' demonstration, was taken into custody. His sentencing entailed 30 days of administrative arrest, as per charges of minor offenses and failure to comply with lawful police instructions (Articles 510 and 535.1 of the Administrative Code).

Ahmed Mammadli, the Chairman of the Democracy 1918 Movement (D-18), shared insights on the subject of the recent arrests within the context of the "Difficult Question" program. According to Mammadli, detentions have evolved into a commonplace occurrence for those engaged in socio-political activism. He outlined how activists often face pressure from both societal circles and their own families. Mammadli highlighted that this trajectory is notably familiar in cases like Gubad Ibadoglu, Elkhan Aliyev, Maharram Akperov, and Afiyaddin Mammadov.

Moreover, Mammadli emphasized that, in conflicts involving Azerbaijani laborers and international or foreign corporations, the Azerbaijani government invariably sides with the latter. He posited that such alignment is driven by officials' pursuit of personal gains through safeguarding the interests of these entities. As Mammadli noted, the government's lack of intervention in the exploitation of workers stems from its financial advantages linked to the practice, extending to both the public and private sectors.