Resident of Nakhchivan Persecuted by MNS

A resident of Nakhchivan, Ashraf Hasanov, held a news conference on Thursday at the Media Center, where he spoke about the pressure on him by the Ministry of National Security of Nakhchivan.

Persecution began after he spoke denouncing violations of the law in Nakhchivan by local officials and authorities. Pressure increased even more after he joined the local branch of the Public Chamber.

"On 29 January, I arrived in Baku and held a press conference on the matter. After I returned to Nakhchivan, the Babak region MNS workers called me and asked to come to them and explain why I admonish power. After my refusal, more than 10 workers of MNS attacked my house on 30 January and used force against members of my family. They wanted to kidnap me, but I managed to escape the house. My daughter and wife were beaten because they got in the way," said Hasanov.

On January 31 Hasanov went to Iran, and from there he got to Baku on February 1. On the same day, MNS workers went back to his home, Hasanov was told by his neighbors. He fears that they could plant some items in his yard, only to raise criminal charges.

"The purpose of the press conference is my desire to publish these facts and if possible to secure my family," Hasanov said, and added that he sent a letter to the Head of the State. -05C-