Ilgar Mamedov and Tofig Yagublu Refuse to Participate in Trial in Sheki

Sentenced to imprisonment in connection with the Ismayilli events, the leader of REAL Ilgar Mamedov and the Deputy Chairman of the party Musavat Tofig Yagublu refuse to participate in the re-examination of their case in the Sheki Court of Appeal.

On March 17, 2014 Ilgar Mamedov was sentenced to 7 years of imprisonment on charges of organizing riots in Ismayilli in January 2013. Tofig Yagublu on the same charges received 5 years in prison. In June 2014 the Sheki Court of Appeal upheld the verdict of the court in Sheki. On October 13 the Azerbaijani Supreme Court returned the case for reconsideration to the Sheki Court of Appeal. Amnesty International recognizes Ilgar Mamedov and Tofig Yagublu prisoners of conscience.

As the lawyer Javad Javadov said, Mamedov and Yagublu refuse to participate in the trial in the Sheki Court of Appeal. According to the lawyer, they have such a right. As for the reasons for the decision, the lawyer said they do not believe in the fairness of the trial. On the other hand, their participation in the trial involves their re-escorting to prison in Sheki, with the passage of quarantine and other procedures that will only add to their suffering.

However, as noted by the counsel, the refusal of Mamedov and Yagublu from the presence at the trial does not exclude the participation of their lawyers.

The defender does not exclude that the opposition activists could be brought to prison in Sheki by force. However, he expressed a hope that this will not happen.

According to him, compulsory delivery to trial under the law provides only for the court of first instance. In the appellate court of law, such coercion is not presumed.

On May 22, 2014 the European Court of Human Rights ruled Mamedov’s detention illegal. According to the decision of the European Court, the government of Azerbaijan has to pay Mamedov compensation at 22 thousand Euros. -06B--