Sheki Court of Appeal Upholds Verdict on Taleh Khasmammadov

The Sheki Court of Appeal examined and rejected the complaint of the human rights defender Taleh Khasmammadov, a member of the Public Alliance Azerbaijan without Political Prisoners. This was stated by the Alliance.

At the trial chaired by Judge Rafael Aliyev Khasmammadov noted political motives for his prosecution for his human rights activities.

He said he did not expect a fair decision from this trial. He therefore asked not to delay the trial, because of his health problems. Each time escorted from jail to court and back, he has serious difficulties.

The court refused to satisfy the activist's petition. Thus, the court did not interrogate the mother of the human rights activist, Gyulbuta Khasmammadova, who witnessed the incident, when a provocation was made against the activist. In addition, the petition for viewing records from surveillance cameras at the scene was rejected.

At the same time, four employees of the Goychay District Police Department led by its deputy chief confirmed the complaint against the activist during the trial.

The police claimed that Khasmammadov allegedly used force against them, tore their epaulettes and caused them injuries.

The court upheld the sentence unchanged. The human rights activist intends to file an appeal to the Supreme Court.

The Alliance Azerbaijan without Political Prisoners believes Khasmammadov is persecuted for political reasons because of his active advocacy in the regions of Goychay and Ujar.

* Taleh Khasmammadov was arrested in February on charges of hooliganism and later sentenced to three years. Khasmammadov is known for his human rights work in Goychay and Ujar. He criticized local authorities for arbitrariness and violation of citizens' rights. -06D-