The National Council condemned the repression of PPFA members

Baku / 18.05.18 / Turan: The National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF) has condemned the intensification of repression against the Popular Front of Azerbaijan.

Just few days before the 100 year anniversary of the inception of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, and in the context of ; 1) the increasing demands by the international community for democratic reforms in Azerbaijan ; 2) the revelations of the government"s continued corruption on a global scale; 3) the sanctions against the European representatives in the Council of Europe (those who have accepted bribes from the Azerbaijani representatives and government); 4) the citizens" continuing demand for democratic reforms and the protection of human rights as well as their demand for release of political prisoners- the Azerbaijani government remains loyal to its tradition and sees hightened repression as a solution in the face of increasing international pressures and exposures.

Yet again, the government has chosen the PFPA as its main target. A few days ago, two PFPA activists- a young member Orkhan Bakhishli and a veteran Mirfeyzulla Seyidov have been slandered with allegations of drug dealing, and other absurd accusations. Another PFPA member Maharram Jaliloghlu was also slandered and thereafter jailed.

The situation surrounding the arrests and detention of the PFPA members is very alarming. The Penitentiary Service have finally admitted that one of the PFPA organizers, Elnur Farajov who was arrested half a year ago has cancer. His condition had been denied for a long time but has finally been admitted by the Penitentiary Service as it has now seriously progressed. Meanwhile, Mirfeyzulla Seyidov cannot live in the absence of a dialysis treatment three times a week due to his kidney failure. The lives of both political prisoners and PFPA members are under a significant threat.

Meanwhile, Saleh Rustamov who was the chairman of Gadabay disctrict"s local council during Elchibey"s government, has recently been practically kidnapped and arrested. Family members of Saleh Rustamov who has been arrested 10 days ago have not been able to access any information regarding his location or condition. His lawyer has similarly been unable to retrieve any information. Moreover, his nephew and two other relatives have also been arrested.

He has been denied any contact with his family as well as a meeting with his lawyer (his constitutional right). It has only now been uncovered that Saleh Rustamov was subjected to torture in a completely isolated location from the public. Because of the torture and threats against him, some false statements against the PFPA have been forcefully taken from him. Overall, all of this is a clear indication that the government has not yet been satisfied with the horrific acts against the PFPA that it has already committed and intends to continue its repression.

The PFPA has remained a hurdle for the authoritarian regime in the country for many years now. The PFPA has provided the main force behind all of the anti-government protests in the recent years. Apart from being the party with the most political prisoners, the PFPA is also being characterised as the party with the most powerful organizational structure.

These consistent and ever-increasing acts of repression are conducted purposefully to weaken the organization force of the PFPA and its chairman Ali Karimli.

The National Council hereby declares that it stands with the PFPA and strongly condemns and demands an end to the inhumane measures and repression against the main political party in Azerbaijan. We demand that all political prisoners and especially Elnur Farajov and Mirfeyzulla Seyidov whose lives are under an imminent threat be released. We demand an end to yet another dishonest and cruel attack against the PFPA." -0-