Preparatory Meeting on Fuad Ahmedli Case

Baku /25.04.17 / Turan: A preparatory meeting on the case of the Popular Front Party activist Fuad Ahmedli took place at the Baku Grave Crimes Court chaired by Fikret Garibov on April 25.

Attorney Asabali Mustafayev made two motions: to stop the criminal proceedings and change the measure of restraint, but both were rejected.

“We believe that Fuad Ahmedli did not commit any crime and therefore the criminal case must be terminated and the activist released,” said the lawyer.

After Judge Fikret Garibov did not grant the petition, the lawyer asked him to change the measure of restraint and transfer Ahmedli to house arrest.

Earlier, the investigation motivated the detention with the possibility of “his hiding him from the investigation” and “putting pressure on the investigation.” However, now the investigation is completed and the prosecution has no justifications. But the judge did not grant this petition.

The next meeting is scheduled for May 2.

* The PFPA activist Fuad Ahmedli was arrested on August 18, 2016. He is charged under articles 302 (violation of the law on operative-search activity) and 308-1 (abuse of official powers) of the Criminal Code.

The joint statement of the Prosecutor General's Office and the State Security Service says that Ahmedli, who worked as an operator at Azerfon Call Center, handed private information, printout of calls and other classified information to others. Ahmedli also appears to be a person connected with the network of Fethullah Gulen. It is alleged that leaflets related to Gulen were found in Ahmedli's house. On March 6, the prosecution was re-qualified into a more serious article 308.2, under which he faces up to 8 years of imprisonment.

However, Ahmedli rejects this accusation and considers it to be fabricated and politically motivated.

Human rights organizations recognize him as a political prisoner. -05B 06-