On February 2will be the sixth month since the arrest of human rights activist Rasul Jafarov. In the interview with Turan, he shared his impressions of his criminal case, and life in captivity.
Q: Six months passed after your arrest, what does this period mean for you?
Answer: The only thing I regret is that I could do too much for strengthening Azerbaijan, protection of rights and freedoms. After all, a strong and independent civil society, contributes to strengthening the state. I do not complain of conditions of detention and treatment. I am calm. But of course, the main thing for me is to be released.
Q: Do you hope for a speedy release?
Answer: There is always a hope, because I am convinced of my innocence. I submitted part of the financial documents to the prosecutor, and the other - to the court. Of the five "victims", the three said in court that they did not consider themselves “victims.” At trial, will be proved the absence of any damage, and the other two victims.
Everyone knows that I was involved only in human rights activities, and funds were directed at strengthening civil society, and not to finance unrest, political parties and other illegal purposes. There can be no question of damage to the national interests of the country.
Q: The court has already begun, do you believe in you release on the results of trail?
Answer: Why not. The court has just begun. Despite I was not released under house arrest, and previous judicial practice is not rosy, they would not like to doubt the results of the trial. I have always criticized the court's decision not initially, but after reviewing the verdict. Probably, the court will continue 2-3 months. Let's wait for the results.
Q: What else do you want to say?
Answer: I would like to thank everyone who comes to my trials, representatives of local and international community to protect me, relatives and friends for their support and patience.
* Jafarov was arrested on 2 August 2014 on charges of illegal business, tax evasion and abuse of office. Subsequently, he was charged of misappropriation and official forgery. He denies all the charges and connects them with his human rights activities. International human rights organization Amnesty International has recognized Jafarov "prisoner of conscience." -06В-
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