Amnesty International Speaks in Defense of Elchin Sadigov

Amnesty International has condemned the pressure on the lawyer Elchin Sadigov and his family because of his professional activities.

In a statement, the organization pointed out that it is necessary to investigate all the facts of threats against the lawyer and his family, including Internet attacks. The statement says the pressure on the lawyer Sadigov should be promptly investigated. The investigation must be effective and impartial. Those responsible must be brought to justice and the authorities have to provide it.

Amnesty International believes Sadigov should be provided protection. All lawyers in Azerbaijan should carry out their activities in accordance with the fundamental rules of the United Nations on the role of lawyers. They should be created normal conditions, excluding threats, obstacles, etc., according to the document.

Recall that on November 2 on one of the local websites a material was posted, which spoke of a romantic relationship between the lawyer Sadigov and the wife of one of his clients. However, the editor of the media resource said “the material was posted without their knowledge with the purpose of provocation.”

Sadigov says he is threatened by the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDCOC) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The lawyer’s brother's was summoned and interrogated about Elchin Sadigov by the police on November 3.

Against this background, the Ministry of Interior is pretending that nothing is happening and does not comment on allegations that GDCOC threatens the lawyer and ordinary citizens. -16D04-