DAS demands the release of Emin Malikov and other political prisoners

Baku/16.06.23/Turan:  On June 16 members of the Choose a Democratic Azerbaijan (DAS) organization staged a protest in Berlin, Germany, entitled "Let's show solidarity in the struggle for the freedom of Emin Malikov and other political prisoners deported from Germany and arrested in Azerbaijan."  The demonstration took place in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany and the Azerbaijani embassy in Germany. Amrah Verdizade, an active member of DAS and one of the protest organizers, shared details of the event on their website.

Verdizade explained that the purpose of the protest was to bring attention to the lawlessness occurring in Azerbaijan. The existence of an authoritarian and dynastic regime in the country has been widely recognized by international organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Freedom House. Reports from these organizations consistently highlight the political pressure faced by activists and civil society members in Azerbaijan. They frequently mention the presence of approximately 150 political prisoners, and in some years, even more. The most recent Human Rights Watch report for 2022 documents the curtailment of freedom of expression in Azerbaijan and the arrest of activists, including journalists and social activists, for their political activities. The report also sheds light on the cases of "immigrant prisoners" who were deported from Germany and subsequently arrested in Azerbaijan.

Vugar Aliyev, another organizer of the rally and DAS member, further elaborated on their concerns. He stated that appeals had been made to international organizations and German authorities regarding individuals like Mutallim Orujov, Malik Rzayev, Samir Ashurov, Punhan Karimli, Jafar Mirzayev, and Ziya Ibraimov, who were deported from Europe to Azerbaijan and imprisoned there, often enduring torture. Many of them have already received prison sentences, with Mutallim Orujov and Malik Rzayev sentenced to 7 years, and Jafar Mirzayev and Punhan Karimli sentenced to 6 years each.

Aliyev highlighted the case of Emin Malikov, a member of DAS, who was deported from Germany in July 2022 and subsequently arrested upon his arrival in Azerbaijan. Malikov had sought political asylum in Germany, but his request was rejected, leading to his deportation. According to reports, Malikov has suffered severe torture during his detention, and his physical and mental condition is critical. The authorities have denied him access to medical treatment, and he lacks legal representation to protect his rights. Unfortunately, his close relatives have faced political pressure and shown no interest in his case. Human rights organizations operating in Azerbaijan have reported on the extensive torture inflicted upon Malikov during his time in various state security and investigative departments.

Rahib Bakhtiyarov, another DAS activist and organizer of the protest, stated that at the end of the rally, the participants' demands were presented to the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the local representative office of Amnesty International.

The demands put forth by the protesters included:

The immediate release of Emin Malikov

The cessation of the false criminal case against Emin Malikov

The provision of immediate medical treatment for Emin Malikov

The release of all immigrant prisoners deported from Germany to Azerbaijan and imprisoned for political reasons

The release of all political prisoners.