Nazim Beidemirli`s arrest is politically motivated – human rights activist

Baku/05.07.23/Turan: The arrest of the former deputy of the Parliament of Azerbaijan, entrepreneur, public activist Nazim Beidemirli has political motives, Rufat Safarov, executive director of the human rights organization "Line of Defense" said.

"In fact, we already had concerns about the possible arrest of Nazim Beidemirli. For a few days ago, a number of pro-government media launched a smear campaign against him, presenting him as the "organizer" of protests in the village of Soyudlu," the parliamentarian noted. He considers the accusation brought against him to be fabricated.

"I think that in reality the arrest of Nazim Beidemirli is connected with his social and economic activities. Of course,  as a human rights organization "Line of Defense" condemns the prosecution of Beidemirli on a falsified charge," Safarli said.

Beidemirli was detained on July 4 by the Main Directorate for Combating Organized Crime of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He was charged under the  Article 182.2.4 (Extortion by threats to seize property in a significant amount) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, which provides for imprisonment from 5 to 10 years. Today, the court chose a preventive measure against him in the form of arrest for a period of 4 months. Beidemirli rejected the accusation, called it fabricated and deprived of legal grounds. According to him, the real reason for his arrest is his statements in connection with the protests of the residents of the village of Seyudlu in  Gadabey  region against environmental pollution by a nearby gold ore processing plant. ---1606В---