Parents of arrested NIDA activists begin a hunger strike

Parents of the arrested activists of NIDA Movement will begin on 20 April a hunger strike to protest against the demand of the prosecutor to condemn their children to long prison terms. They express solidarity with activists which began a hunger strike in prison on April 17. It was dedicated to A press conference of parents held in the IRFS was dedicated to these issues. Sakina Gurbanova, mother of the accused Zaur Gurbanly, noted that the prosecutor Nemat Avazov not take time to prepare, and immediately made ​​a final speech. "The prosecutor repeated word for word the indictment, announced six months ago at the beginning of the trial. It turns out that the trial, which lasted for months, does not take into account the arguments by protection, but refutation of lawyers did not have any significance," said Gurbanov.

Therefore, on April 20 parents will begin a hunger strike demanding the release of all the arrested.  The action will take place at the headquarters of the party "Musavat".

Gurbanov drew attention to the severity of the sentence demanded by the prosecutor, even if the defendants actually committed to alleged crimes .

Metanet Ahundova ,  Rashadat Akhundov’s mother stated about unfounded allegations put forward by young people and presenting them as "bandits" , while they  merely express a peaceful protest against the deaths of soldiers.

Ibrahim Novruzlu, father of Shahin  Novruzlu, said that falsification of the  lawsuit was  obvious. " But I just was astonished  when the  document from the Ministry of National Security was read,  that I supposedly attended the interrogations of  Shahin in the first days after his arrest. That is, it was the most blatant lie," said I.Novruzlu .

Bashhanym Abbasova, member of the Majlis party  of "Musavat" , the mother of a former prisoner of conscience Tural Abbasli said she  also will join the hunger strike  of NIDA activists.  She believes that the government imprisons active young people because of their fears.

Board member of the  REAL Movement, Azer  Gasymly, said that the authorities pursue NIDA activists for what their will to see Azerbaijan without corruption , embezzlement of national wealth , without any problems in the education system .

According to parents , the authorities want to scare young people from the democratic camp and spread fear in society. "In fact, there is no fear. Fear arises when we are afraid. We must overcome this," said Gasymly.

He proposed to consolidate efforts in resisting repression, and create a steering committee for the preparation of the protests in defense of Nida activists and other political prisoners .

Board member of the NIDA, Ulvi Hasanli, noted about  preparation  of protests in various forms, including social networks.

In addition , Amnesty İnternational conducts online campaign to collect signatures for a petition demanding the release of activists NIDA.—06С--