Human Rights Activist Claims Pressure

Baku / 22.01.18 / Turan: The head of the NGO Legal Education of the Sumgayit Youth and the editor-in-chief of the newspaper Yukselishn Namine, Elchin Mammad, said he was pressured by law enforcement agencies.

Last week, he was again questioned at the Investigatory Directorate of Grave Crimes in the so-called NGO case, which began in 2014.

"But not finding anything illegal, the authorities resorted to another tactic. For example, Aygun Amiraslanova, who presented herself as a resident of the Bulbula village, appealed to the Minister of Taxes with a complaint that I render legal assistance to citizens without tax registration, and I evade taxes," he told Turan.

The woman asks to take measures against Mammad, who, "being a member of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, blackens" the country's leadership.

"It is noteworthy that this appeal confirms that I am engaged in legal defense. Secondly, from the content of the letter follows the political nature of the charges against me in connection with human rights activities," Mammad said.

He believes that preparations are being made to arrest him. The activist rejects accusations of not paying taxes.

"As a public organization, we provide assistance to citizens voluntarily and free of charge. Therefore, there is no need for tax registration. In the past, when we received grants, we regularly paid taxes," Mammad said.

The Ministry of Taxes did not give any comments. -06D--