Trial of Ilgar Mammadov and Tofik Yagublu in Sheki

The Sheki Court of Grave Crimes chaired by Rashid Huseynov started the trial of the deputy chairman of the party Musavat Tofig Yagublu, the leader of the REAL Movement Ilgar Mammadov, and others on November 18.

According to the executive secretary of the movement REAL Natig Jaafarli, though the process is open, the court does not allow journalists, opposition leaders and even relatives of the defendants into the hall, explaining that with the lack of seats. Those, who could not get into the hall, remained in the yard of the court. In total there are about a hundred people.

On January 23-24 riots occurred in Ismayilli in connection with the bullying by the Chirag hotel manager and an accident involving the nephew of the Chief Executive, who then insulted the local population. A group of residents set fire to the hotel and to the foreign cars in the yard.

The next day, the locals began to protest, demanding the resignation of the district head. Later the action escalated into clashes with security forces involved.

Mammadov and Yagublu arrived in Ismayilli on January 24 to review the situation when the riots had gone into decline.

Later, they were arrested and charged under articles 220.1 (organization of mass disorders) and 315.2 (resisting police with violence).

The international community has recognized Mammadov and Yagublu prisoners of conscience and repeatedly called for their immediate release. The authorities have ignored all these calls. Besides Mammadov and Yagublu, 16 others are standing before the court. -16D-