Protest rally against torture against PFPA activist

Baku / 24.01.20 / Turan: On Friday, a group of PFPA activists held a protest rally against torture in the center of Baku in custody of a member of the Popular Front party Elzamin Salaev. More than a dozen women marched, holding up the banners “We Want Democracy!” The protesters chanted: “Stop police torture!”, “No violence against women!”, “Freedom to Elzamin”, “Resignation of the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs)”, etc. They also declared a threat to Salaev’s life and the need for his urgent operation.

Police officers blocked their path several times, demanding an end to the uncoordinated action. Nevertheless, the protesters continued their march along the streets of Nizami (Torgovaya), Khagani and Hajibeyov to the Sahil metro station.

Meanwhile, on January 24, his son Ogtay Salaev was detained in the Binagadi detention center. According to him, the father confirmed the fact of torture on January 13 after being detained in the 8th branch of the Sabail police department. Doctors at the hospital of the Ministry of Internal Affairs noted the need for an operation, as his hernia burst, but the police did not allow it. “Today, the father said he was better,” his son added. Salaev was also visited by ombudsman staff. “A medical examination was carried out, his condition is normal. Based on his appeal, an investigation is being conducted,” the Ombudsman told Turan.

Salaev was detained on January 13 after he distributed a critical video about police officers in the Salyan region. He was accused of petty hooliganism and not subordinate to the police and arrested for 30 days. —16D-