The court refused to release Ilgar Mamedov

Sheki Appeal Court today announced its decision on the results of re-examination of the case the leader of the Movement "Real" Ilgar Mamedov and deputy chairman of the party "Musavat" Tofig Yagublu. The court upheld the verdict of the Court of First Instance and refused to release Ilgar Mamedov.

Commenting on the decision of the court, the lawyer Fuad Agayev called it unfair and unreasonable, "We see the absence of a fair and impartial trial. Today’s verdict can be characterized only  in this way," he told reporters.

According to him, at the trial were again shown video footage showing the absence of disturbances in the place where were Ilgar Mammadov and Tofig Yagublu. Moreover, representatives of the executive power, in an interview confirmed that the situation is calm and nothing happens. This testimony refutes all accusations by investigation on the participation of Ilgar Mammadov and Yagublu in the riots, said the lawyer.

Mammadov and Yagublu were sentenced on charges of organizing riots in Ismayilli city in January 2013, and  were sentenced to 7 and 5 years' imprisonment respectively. On October 13, 2015, the Supreme Court of Azerbaijan considered the appeal, sent the case back for retrial in Sheki Appeal Court. Thereafter, the case was adjourned several times. Meanwhile, Yagublu was released by act of clemency on 17 March. "Amnesty International" recognized Yagublu and Mammadov "prisoners of conscience".

European Court of Human Rights declared illegal arrest of two opposition members, however, the Azerbaijani authorities have ignored this decision by refusing to release Mammadov. -06D-