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
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Azerbaijan is taking bold steps to overcome the challenges of climate change, President Ilham Aliyev said in his welcome message to participants of the two-day Pre-COP29 conference opening today in Baku.
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On Wednesday, President Ilham Aliyev met with Kerry McCarthy, the UK Minister for International Energy and Climate. During the meeting, they discussed preparations for the upcoming climate conference COP29. According to the embassy's statement, the minister offered the UK's support for hosting COP29. The parties also discussed the importance of the transition to clean energy.
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On October 9, President Ilham Aliyev met with Amina Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, to discuss preparations for COP29. During the meeting, Mohammed stated that the main theme of the upcoming conference would be financial issues. She expressed hope that the international community would establish new financial goals. In turn, Aliyev highlighted the cooperation with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other organizations in the preparation process for the conference. He emphasized that Baku is making efforts to achieve consensus at COP29.
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Despite his serious condition, Afghan Sadygov, the head of the “Azel TV” website arrested in Georgia, continues his hunger strike in the prison hospital and refuses medical assistance, his wife reported to Turan. According to her, Afghan called her on Wednesday from the medical center of the Georgian penitentiary service. "He is in serious condition, under medical supervision, but refuses all medical help. Afghan said he is only taking drinking water. He stated that he will continue to fight for his rights and freedom, even if he dies," his wife said.
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