NCDF warned the government about the effect of the boomerang

Baku / 26.05. / Turan: National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF) made a statement in connection with the pressure of the authorities on the PFPA. It says:

'The government of Azerbaijan is determined to destroy the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan. In the past month more than 10 activists and members of the party have been arrested. Just yesterday three party officials at the highest level were arrested; 1) Member of the PFPA Executive committee Aqil Maharram, 2) Chairman of the PFPA higher council Ruslan Nasirli 3) PFPA Narimanov district chairman Babek Hasanov (who previously was a prisoner of conscience)/

There is a clear recent spike in the state level oppression targeted specifically against the PFPA. Furthermore, former PFPA member and a Gadabay council chairman (1992-1993) Saleh Rustamli and his nephew Vidadi Rustamli were detained have been under detention for three weeks now. They were tortured and forced to sign an incriminating statement against the PFPA Chairman Ali Karimli. There were rumors that Saleh Rustamli was torture to death. As a result, the party Chairman Ali Karimli demanded the proof that Rustamli was alive, and warned that he and other PFPA members would personally go directly to the detention center demanding to see him in case authorities did not comply. The next day Ministry of Interior invited a National Council representative to the detention center. This fact alone proves that the arrests are political in nature. Saleh Rustamli is not a member of the PFPA let alone of the National Council. Why then would a National Council representative be invited to the detention center?

At the end, Saleh Rustamli was allowed to see his brother. He is alive. Nevertheless, the aforementioned facts show clearly, that the authorities are focused on the total annihilation of the PFPA. Additionally, Saleh Rustamli"s torture, aimed at securing an incriminating evidence against Ali Karimli, as well as the Chief Prosecution Office"s recent press release (attached) demonstrate that the authorities are laying down a foundation for the PFPA chairman Ali Karimli"s arrest.

All of these are taking place at the time of the centenary of the creation of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan in 1918. Ilham Aliyev had an opportunity to signal genuine change with amnesty. Instead, he only released 12 out of 150 political prisoners and only those who almost completed serving their respective sentences. With this, and the recent unprecedented crackdown against PFPA, the Azerbaijani government ended all hopes for any positive political change.

National Council demands an end to this campaign of repression. It declares that it stands strong with the PFPA. It warns the government, that a total state level crackdown will not only weaken the opposition but also the government- for no government that treats its people with such utmost hatred and contempt can stay in power for a long time.