National Council Condemns New Arrests of Oppositionists

The National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF) strongly condemned new charges against the journalist Khadija Ismayilova and new arrests of political activists on false grounds.

So, Ismayilova is accused of embezzling, illegal entrepreneurship and abuse of office.

"The National Council believes the allegations are absurd and delusional and regards the prosecution of the journalist as the suppression of freedom of speech and revenge for her investigation of corruption in the highest echelons of power," the statement says.

The National Council condemns the arrest of the activist of the Popular Front Party Gadir Khudabakhshiyev in Mingechevir on charges of illegal possession of weapons and arrest of Elghiz Sadygly, brother of the political refugee Tural Sadygly.

This arrest was a response of the authorities to the rally conducted by political emigrants in Berlin in protest against the visit of President Ilham Aliyev, the statement reads.

The National Council notes that the arrests coincided with the statements of the authorities about the beginning of "dialogue with the opposition." Therefore, these calls for "dialogue" are a simulation in order to deceive the public, the statement says. -16D-