Religious activist sentenced to seven years of imprisonment

Baku / 27.02.18 / Turan: On Tuesday, the trial of the activist of the movement "Muslim Unity" Akhsan Nuruzade, accused of drug trafficking, ended in the Baku Serious Crimes Court. The court sentenced him to 7 years in prison. Earlier, the prosecutor asked to be sentenced to eight years in prison.

Before the announcement of the verdict, Nuruzade made his last statement denying the accusations, saying that the real reason for his arrest was the protection of the rights of the leader of the "Muslim Unity" movement Tale Bagirzade, as well as the material and moral support of dozens of convicts in the Nardaran events. The defense will appeal the verdict.

Nuruzade was arrested on charges of drug trafficking on October 6, 2017. He was charged under Article 234.4.3. (illegal drug trafficking in a large amount) of the Criminal Code, which provides for punishment from 5 to 12 years of imprisonment.

Nuruzade was involved in the coordination of legal and public protection of religious activists arrested in connection with the Nardaran events of 2015. He is recognized by local human rights activists as political prisoners. --16B--