Ramil Abbasov
On December 19, at the Baku Court for Serious Crimes, during the trial of activist Rail Abbasov, the prosecutor delivered their closing statement. The prosecutor proposed finding Abbasov guilty of fraud and sentencing him to 8 years in prison. The defense disagrees with the prosecutor, arguing that the court has not proven Abbasov's guilt.
Abbasov himself rejects the charges and believes he is being persecuted for his active public defense of another activist, Bakhtiyar Hajiyev. The next court hearing is scheduled for December 26, during which the defense will present their arguments.
*It is worth recalling that on September 20, 2023, the Nasimi District Court in Baku ordered Abbasov's detention for four months on charges under Article 178.3.2 (large-scale fraud) of the Criminal Code.
Abbasov denies the charges, considering his active involvement in defending the rights of activist Bakhtiyar Gajiyev, who was arrested in December 2022, to be the true reason for his prosecution.
Human rights organizations have recognized both Abbasov and Hajiyev as political prisoners.
Politics
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The Baku Sabail District Court has extended the pre-trial detention of young researcher Bahruz Samadov, who is accused of "treason," until March 9, 2025. An appeal will be filed against this decision. Samadov denies the charges and believes that he is being persecuted for his anti-war activities. Samadov was arrested on August 21 on charges of treason, and two days later, the court sentenced him to four months in detention.
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The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation brings together eight Muslim countries: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Egypt, Nigeria, and Pakistan. It was established on October 22, 1996, in Istanbul at the initiative of Türkiye.
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The United States on Wednesday chaired a UN Security Council briefing on Ukraine and denounced Russia’s ongoing war, as well as its increasing reliance on North Korea for missiles, munitions, and troops in violation of multiple Security Council resolutions.
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On December 19, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the authorities' repression of civil society and media.
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