Opposition activists are persecuted for participating in the May actions

Press-conference by protesters of the Public Chamber on 21, 24 and 25 May was held on Thursday in the Media Center. Human rights activist Alekper Mamedov told about the facts of beatings, insults and persecution of members of those protest actions.

   According to him, the police and people in plainclothes used violence against the protesters, brought them to the police station and beat there. Until now the participants of those actions and their relatives are called to police, Mamedov said.

     A member of the Democratic Party, Jamil Hajiyev, said that currently, his party colleague Ilham Suleymanov is under arrest on charges under Article 221 (hooliganism).

      He is charged for participation in the actions of the Public Chamber.  In addition, a lawsuit was filed against another member of the Democratic Party, Rasul Mursalov, who has to hide away.

    Jamil Hajiyev himself was severely beaten by the police, and reported that another 12 members of the Democratic Party are being persecuted. 

   "The police always calls me home and threatens, » he said.

   Members of the Democratic Party Shahla Hajiyeva also told about the abuse and violence, and insults she was subjected for participation in the protest actions on 21 and 24 May.

      Members of the Popular Front Party Elchin Hasanov and Elshan Agayev told that they were beaten during the street festivities on May 25, and the police continued to beat them in the police car after their arrest.

    In the 37th Khatai district police they were beaten by the major, who said that he was executing the instructions of the President Ilham Aliyev. "We have been sent here to beat you," said this major.

   Elshan Agayev (Sumgait branch of PPFA) said that was also severely beaten in the 39th Sabail Police Office, and then he was fined 20 manat. "In Sumgayit I have a small sale point, after my participation in the protest action, they suddenly raised the rent," said Elshan Agayev.

     17-year-old Narmin Khalilova, a member of the PPFA, and the student of the College, was arrested for taking part in the rally on May 25; she was kept in police custody till 12 o'clock at night. She was not allowed to tell her parents about her whereabouts.

     Members of the Popular Front Shakir Abbasov and Iltifat Mehdiyev reported that after participating in the protest actions  they are being  shadowed.

      Summing up the stories of participants of the Public Chamber,  Alekper Mamedov stated that they intend to send an appeal  to the head of state and international organizations. -04С-