NIDA activist denies accusations of preparation riots

At the trial in the Baku Serious Crimes Court  in the case of seven activists of  NIDA and member of the organization "Free Youth"  on January 8 testimonies of the accused Rashadat Akhundov was read.

Akhundov himself refused to testify. The judge read out  his two testimony at the preliminary investigation, where Akhundov rejected the charges against him.

According to the lawyer  of Rashid Hajili, Akhundov said that the charges have no relation to him and the other defendants. He said that the charges were fabricated , and the investigation has not provided evidence.

Asking the question on the discussion preparing to the  protests on March 10 in the cafe "Venice" , he said that  there were not such meetings.

"The cafe is located in the city center and  everywhere there are security cameras.

There have never been meetings in the "Venice." Let  the investigation present camera  recordings," said Akhundov. He also said that NIDA is committed to peaceful forms of political struggle, and never planned disorder.

The trial will continue on January 9. Young people are  charged with preparing riots during protests on March 10 in Baku on the  Fountain Square. They were also charged with illegal possession of explosives, drugs, and hooliganism. -16B06-