IBAHRI: Release of Intigam Aliyev not enough

The International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) welcomes the release of prominent human rights lawyer Intigam Aliyev from prison. The Azerbaijan's Supreme Court also decided on 28 March 2016, to convert the sentence from seven-and-a-half years' imprisonment to a five-year suspended sentence. However, the criminal convictions remain, under conditional release. The IBAHRI calls on Azerbaijan's authorities to drop all charges against him.

IBAHRI Director Dr Phillip Tahmindjis AM commented: 'While we are delighted to hear that Mr Aliyev will finally be reunited with his loved ones after being illegally imprisoned for more than a year and a half, we give thought to the many other human rights lawyers unlawfully charged who will remain in prison after his release.'

Dr Tahmindjis added: 'The ability of legal professionals to carry out their duties in line with international standards has been severely affected in Azerbaijan where reports indicate that the persecution of human rights defenders, journalists and civil society persists. The IBAHRI urges compliance with the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers in which lawyers should be able to act in accordance to the law without fear of persecution. Improper interference in the legal profession has undoubtedly had grave consequences on the judicial process in Azerbaijan.'

Mr Aliyev, the head of the Legal Education Society, an Azerbaijani civil society organisation, was arrested on 8 August 2014 and charged with tax evasion (Article 213 of Azerbaijan's Criminal Code), 'illegal entrepreneurship' (Article 192), and abuse of authority (Article 308.2). On 15 December 2014, the prosecution brought additional charges of misappropriation (Article 179.3) and services forgery (Article 313). He was pronounced guilty on 22 April 2015 by the Baku Grave Crimes Court and was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years' imprisonment and a three-year ban from holding public office leadership positions.

A prominent human rights lawyer in Azerbaijan for many years, heading the Legal Education Society - an organisation providing legal support to non-governmental organisations, Azerbaijani civil society and low-income individuals - Mr Aliyev has represented more than 100 victims of alleged human rights violations at the European Court of Human Rights.

In 2015, Mr Aliyev was the recipient of the International Bar Association Human Rights Award. It was given for his outstanding contribution to human rights. Unable to receive the Award in person, due to his unlawful imprisonment, his son and daughter travelled to the IBA Annual Conference in Vienna to receive it on their father's behalf. Mr Aliyev dedicated his award to 'friends, colleagues, conscientious people' in Azerbaijan who 'are facing prosecutions, pressures, and imprisonments. -0-