"Prisoner of Conscience" Shahin Hasanli Denied Parole

Baku Appeal Court presided over by Hasan Akhmedov held a hearing on PFPA activist Shahin Hasanli’s appeal for parole, after the completion of half of his prison sentence.  The appeal was declined.

According to Hasanli’s lawyer Alaif Hasanov, the complaint was merely a formality, and the judge, without argument, upheld the Garadagh district court decision previously denying parole for the oppositionist without good reason.

He said the court decisions were politically motivated. "The courts very easily release parole people convicted of drug trafficking or murder. As for political prisoners, such decisions can only be made if authorities agree. This is further evidence of the political nature of Hasanli’s case," said the lawyer.

He said that an appeal will be filed to the Supreme Court.

Hasanli was arrested in Shamkir on the eve of the rally on April 2 (March 31). On July 21, 2011 the Shamkir district court sentenced him to two years imprisonment under Article 228.1 (illegal storage, carrying and sale of firearms, accessories, ammunition or explosives).

Amnesty International recognized Hasanli as a "prisoner of conscience." -06B -