Violence against a trade union activist in court

Trade union activist Afiyaddin Mammadov complained about his mistreatment at the Baku Serious Crimes Court on August 13.  He said that he was brought to court at 10.00 a.m. and was kept hungry in the "box" until the afternoon. After that, the judge announced that the witnesses had not appeared and the hearing was postponed. However, Mammadov said that he had a petition. When the judge refused to listen to the petition, Mammadov turned to the audience and said that the Ministry of Justice forbids him to wear a suit at the trial.  Protesting against this, Mammadov will appear in court naked and when he tried to take off his shirt, the guards grabbed him and forcibly took him out of the hall. The next court hearing is scheduled for August 27.

*Afiyaddin Mammadov, the head of the alternative confederation of trade unions "Working Platform", was detained on September 20 near his home after being attacked by an unknown person. Mammadov was accused of stabbing the attacker (Article 221.3 - hooliganism committed with a weapon) and 126.1 (intentional infliction of serious harm to health) of the Criminal Code.

Later, the charges were tightened – according to Articles 126.2.4 (intentional infliction of serious harm to health in a generally dangerous manner) and 228.4 (illegal arms trafficking).  He faces up to 11 years in prison. Human rights activists recognized Mammadov as a political prisoner.