Court Rejects Appeal from Mammad Ibrahim

Today the Baku Court of Appeal chaired by Sahibkhan Mirzoyev concluded its consideration of the complaint from the advisor to the Chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA) Mammad Ibrahim.

Ibrahim was arrested on September 30 last year on charges of disorderly conduct (221.1). The complaint came from Mikail Guliyev, a former member of PFPA. Subsequently, this article was reclassified to a heavier charge on Article 221.2.2 (hooliganism with the application of an object used as a weapon). The Narimanov district court on March 15 found Ibrahim guilty and sentenced him to 3 years in prison.

In connection with the completion 1/3 of Ibrahim’s prison term, he asked the court for leniency and transfer into a prison settlement. However, on November 25 the Surakhani district court rejected the petition. The court explained this decision by saying that Ibrahim’s behavior among the prisoners was "insincere".

According to the lawyer Yalcin Imanov, today the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal on the denial of clemency, guided by the characteristics from Prison No 16, where Ibrahim is serving his sentence.

Thus, the administration reiterated that Ibrahim behaves "insincerely" in relation to other prisoners, "does not repent for his criminal deeds", "shies away from work," and etc. The lawyer believes these claims are unfounded and unsubstantiated. The defense will submit an appeal.

Human rights organizations have recognized Ibrahim a political prisoner. -B06 -