Ismayilli journalist speaks of persecution

Six villagers in Gadzhigasanli, Ismayilli were called in for questioning to the district prosecutor's office in connection with the events of January 23-24 today. Turan was told by the regional correspondent of the newspaper Azadlig, Elchin Ismayilli.

According to him, arrests in the district are going on. The total number of persons arrested and fined administratively is more than 100 people.

Among the people prosecuted there is the journalist’s brother, Elshan, which is currently being held in Baku in the Kurdakhany jail.

The journalist said that his brother was arrested to put pressure on the family. "I am followed by cars with no license plates, and my phones are tapped," said the reporter.

According to him, local residents demand human right defenders and representatives of international organizations coming from Baku.

Recall that in the evening on January 23 in Ismayilli a mob torched the hotel Chirag, after its manager beat a local taxi driver and insulted the residents. Then the crowd set fire to expensive cars in front of the hotel and in the villa of the head of the district. The next day, the police suppressed the protest of local residents, who demanded the resignation of Nizami Alekperov.

In connection with the events in Ismayilli official figures arrested 12 people. Authorities later accused of involvement in the riots two opposition members from Baku - Ilgar Mamedov and Tofig Yagublu.

We have previously reported the administrative arrest of 23 people and a fine for 15. -16B06-