Member of Coordination Council of Public Chamber Abducted and Beaten in Nakhchivan

Member of the Coordination Council of the Public Chamber Ibrahim Ibrahimli was abducted and beaten by unknown people near Nakhchivan. The incident occurred in the village Uzunoba. 

"I came to Nakhchivan to my nephew’s commemoration party. Right at the ceremony several unknown persons began to threaten me, demanding to leave. After the memorial service I got in my car and drove to Nakhchivan. Along the way those people blocked the road with their car. They made me get out of the car, put a bag over my head and pushed me into their car by force. They drove about half an hour. During this time, the kidnappers called somewhere and reported about me. I was taken to a deserted place and dropped off. Then, the kidnappers said they were criminals and started beating me. However, they demanded that I no longer dared to criticize the government of Nakhchivan. I was strongly insulted and threatened with death if I did not become smarter," Ibrahimli told Turan on the telephone.

He noted that the abductors identified themselves as criminals, but he believes that  these were members of the security agencies and likely the Ministry of National Security of Nakhchivan.

Such methods of reprisals against members of the opposition are common in this region of Azerbaijan and have occurred more than once.

"On Sunday I will fly to Baku, but I do not rule out further provocations against me," said Ibrahimli.  -02B-