National Platform of Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum demands release of Bakhtiyar Hajiyev

Baku/12.12.22/Turan: The decision of the Baku city police department to prosecute political activist, civil society representative, member of the National Platform Bakhtiyar Hajiyev is groundless. The decision of Khatayi district court of Baku to arrest Hajiyev for 1 month and 20 days is illegal. That was said in a statement issued by the Azerbaijani National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum on 11 December.

The National Platform says that the decision to prosecute Bakhtiyar Hajiyev under Articles 221 (hooliganism) and 289 (contempt of court) should be cancelled immediately.

"The bringing of this charge on the eve of the International Human Rights Day on 10 December, once again demonstrates the government's attitude towards human rights.

The National Platform calls upon the government of Azerbaijan to refrain from pursuing misconduct against Hajiyev.

The National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum brings together numerous non-governmental organisations. The main objective of the platform is to ensure the effective participation of Azerbaijani civil society organisations in the process of preparation, implementation and monitoring of the European Union's Eastern Partnership policy. -0-