A lawyer Khalid Bagirov met August 4 in Baku prison with human rights activist Rasul Jafarov, arrested on August 2. According to the lawyer, Rasul Jafarov denies all the charges against him, considering them politically motivated. He is charged under Articles 192 (illegal business), 213 (tax evasion) and 308 (abuse of power) of the Criminal Code. The lawyer also called the charges unfounded.
Rasul Jafarov did not have any NGO registered by the government, he participated in various projects as a coordinator, but it is not the position. Lacking positions Jafarov could not abuse of office, the lawyer said. He also considers inappropriate charges of "illegal business" because Jafarov was not engaged in commercial activities for profit. With regard to tax evasion, the investigation asserts that Jafarov has not paid taxes on 6000 income from AZN 150 over five years of financial activity.
However Jafarov submitted all requested documents only on July 31, and consequently could not physically so quickly verify these documents and establish the fact of tax evasion.
The lawyer also pointed to the invalidity of the arrest under the pretext of tax evasion. "On July 31, August 1 and 2 Jafarov carefully attended prosecutor. How can they speak about evasion investigation?
The investigator explained the arrest by the fact that Jafarov has good relations "with foreign organizations, and he can leave the country. But how can he leave the country if there is a ban on his departure? Another argument was that the investigator that, once free, Jafarov can "continue criminal acts." However, getting grants and implementation of projects is not a criminal activity," said Bagirov, adding that the decision to arrest will be appealed. -16D06-
Politics
-
A candidate in the municipal elections for the 23rd Nasimi-Sabail electoral district, activist Djamila Alisheva, has reported administrative barriers in conducting her campaign. She claims that the district election commission is refusing to provide the necessary forms for her authorized representatives.
-
On January 15, the Tbilisi Court of Appeals rejected the appeal of Afghan Sadigov, the founder of the Azel TV website, who had protested his extradition to Azerbaijan. Sadigov’s wife, Sevinj Sadigova, stated that this was the final judicial instance in Georgia making a decision on the case, Turan reported. On the other hand, lawyer Mariam Kvelashvili informed Turan that the defense would continue legal steps to prevent the extradition of Afghan Sadigov. According to his wife, Afghan has been on hunger strike for 117 days, and his health is critical.
-
Jamil Hajiyev, a member of the National Council of Democratic Forces, has reported continued pressure from the police. On January 10, during the trial of opposition figure Tofig Yagublu at the Baku Serious Crimes Court, Hajiyev unfurled a banner reading "Freedom for Political Prisoners!"
-
On January 15, the Yasamal District Court rejected the motion to change the detention measure for Azer Gasymly, the director of the Institute of Political Management, his lawyer, Agyl Laidj, to Turan. "Azer Gasymly stated during the trial that the charges against him were fabricated and related to his socio-political activities," the lawyer said. An appeal will be filed against the court's decision.
Leave a review