Shirinbadzhi Rzayeva Urged Citizens to Leave Ranks of Ruling Party in Massive Way

The Human Rights Committee for condemned Ilgar Rzayev held a press conference at the Media Center today.

The Committee Chairman Jamil Hajiyev called the charges of drug possession against Rzayev unreasonable and custom. The true cause of his arrest was Rzayev's protests and citizenship position during the demolition of houses in Mirzaaga Aliyev Street in March.

Another reason for the arrest was the speech at an anti-government rally by his mother Shirinbadzhi Rzayeva on April 22.

In addition, Ilgar was interviewed by the Washington Post, where he condemned the power for the demolitions. Finally, the mother and son Rzayev are members of opposition parties.

The human rights activist Rasul Jafarov called Ilgar Rzayev "prisoner of Eurovision," because he was arrested on the eve of the contest. He said that the other day Ilgar Rzayev documents will be sent to the international partner organizations.

Ilgar's mother Shirinbadzhi Rzayeva recalled that her son was arrested for protecting property rights. She herself was fired for criticism, and her family has not compensation for the damaged housing.

"All my family members are currently unemployed, and they want to destroy us. I appeal to the members of the ruling party - this party people did not give anything to the nation, so you have to leave its ranks," she said.

To protect the rights of Ilgar Rzayev the Committee intends to hold meetings with representatives of the diplomatic missions, as well as to speed up work with international agencies to obtain a status of prisoner of conscience for Ilgar Rzayev.

The Committee also intends to apply to the European Court for payment of compensation for Rzayev's demolished housing.

Ilgar Rzayev was arrested on 11 May. The court sentenced him to two years in prison on charges of drug possession. -05C04-