NGOs on EITI Coalition Demand Release of Fouad Gahramanli and Asif Yusifli

The NGO Coalition for Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) issued a statement condemning the verdict on a member of this structure Fouad Gahramanli convicted January 25 to 10 years for the so-called Nardaran case.

In fact Gahramanli was arrested on 8 December 2015 for criticizing the actions of the security forces during a special operation in Nardaran and unjustified persecution of the believers detained.

Gahramanli was charged under Article 281.2 (calls for violent seizure of power and change in the constitutional order and dissemination of materials with similar content), 283.2.1 (incitement of religious hatred by threats of violence) and 220.2- (call for riots). However, despite the fact that the prosecution at the trial had not been proved, he was found guilty and sentenced. In fact, he was arrested for his posts on Facebook, which do not violate the norms of ethics and law.

For this reason, local and international human rights organizations have recognized Gahramanli a political prisoner and Amnesty International has recognized him a prisoner of conscience.

The statement also indicated that the arrest of Gahramanli violates the basic standards and principles of EITI, regarding the freedom of expression and activities of its participants.

The EITI protocol regarding the civil society noted that the activists’ work cannot be limited, or subject to coercion and repression.

The Coalition reminded that another former member of this structure, invalid of the Karabakh war Asif Yusifli is also kept in prison for political reasons. He is not released even after in accordance with the changes in the legislation, the period of detention exceeded the maximum penalty under the new Criminal Code amended.

The Coalition called for an end to repression against its members and to release Fouad Gahramanli and Asif Yusifli. -06D--