PFPA Activist Elnur Farajov Sentenced to Three Years in Prison

Baku / 05.05.17 / Turan: Elnur Farajov, an activist of the Neftchala District Branch of the Popular Front of Azerbaijan Party (PFPA), was sentenced by a local court to three years of deprivation of liberty. He was found guilty under art. 234.2 (Illegal acquisition or storage of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances for the purpose of their marketing, manufacturing, production, processing, transportation, transfer or sale). Turan was informed by the lawyer Nemat Kerimli about this. The lawyer stated the verdict would be appealed.

The criminal case against Farajov was started in December 2016. According to the lawyer, a provocation was committed against Farajov. A man then got acquainted with him, telling him that he wished to adjust a business in the area. He promised Farajov a job. Farajov agreed and they went to a tea house together. At that moment the police surrounded the tea house and drugs were withdrawn from the pocket of his new acquaintance. And he said he had bought the drugs from Farajov. This man was released from responsibility allegedly for "assisting the investigation." In relation to Farajov a preventive measure was chosen.

According to the lawyer, Farajov's case is a political one and is connected with the opposition activity of the accused and his participation in protest actions. -06D-