Anar Mammadli in pre-trial detention center has developed back pain

Anar Mammadli, head of the Election Monitoring and Democracy Education Center (EMDEC) Anar Mammadli, detained in Baku pre-trial detention center-1, has developed back pain. His lawyer Elmar Suleymanov told Turan after meeting with him in the pre-trial detention center.

According to him, Mammadli has no complaints about detention conditions. However, the activist reported back pain.

"I talked to the management (of the pre-trial detention center) about it. They told me that Anar Mammadli will be provided with necessary mattress," the lawyer said.

As for the investigation into the Mammadli's case, Suleymanov noted the following: "Investigative actions are being conducted slowly, but they are underway," the lawyer said.

Earlier, Mammadli's relatives said that due to a spinal hernia he needs an orthopedic mattress; however, the pre-trial detention center does not allow to give him this bedding.

*Anar Mammadli was arrested on 30 April on charges of smuggling by conspiracy of a group of persons (Article 206.3.2 of the AR Criminal Code). Initially he was brought under the "Abzas Media case".

Subsequently, his case was separated into a separate proceeding.

Numerous international organisations and the US State Department called on the Azerbaijani government to immediately release Anar Mammadli and other imprisoned journalists and activists.

Over the past few months, criminal cases have been initiated against 17 activists and journalists, 15 of whom are in detention.