Absurdities in Natig Jafarli

  An appeal was made  against the court decision to arrest of Natig Jafarli, the executive secretary of the "Republican Alternative" (REAL) Movement. It should be considered within three days,  said board  member of REAL Rasul Jafarov.

He called the accusations against Jafarli ridiculous. Thus, the investigation accuses him under Article 192.1 (illegal entrepreneurship). But according to the new wording of the article, which came into force on 1 June, illegal entrepreneurship is considered the implementation of activities requiring a license. Without a license, and without taking into account the tax authorities, the activity will be illegal.

However Jafarli was not engaged in such activities. On the other hand, since 2006, he has a tax identification code in the Ministry of Taxes. Even more absurd is the charge under the Article 308.2 (abuse of power, resulting in serious consequences.)

Jafarli had no official posts, was not even the head of the NGO. It is unclear what serious consequences  are in question. The investigation alleges the illegality of Jafarli’s revenues for the provision of services within the grants and other projects since 2011. However,  it is not clear what is illegality, for Jafarli properly pays taxes, said Rasul Jafarov.

It is noteworthy that even before the prosecutor's office issued the act there were no grounds for criminal prosecution  of Jafarli, and the judge of Nasimi Court Elman Isayev lifted the ban on his travel abroad. Paradoxically, but the same judge in the same case sanctioned the arrest of Jafarli, said his colleague.

Natig Jafarli was arrested on 12 August. REAL Movement considers  his arrest a political order. -06B--