Wake in Memory of Mehman Galandarov

Baku / 13.05.17 / Turan: In the ceremonial hall Khayal in the Khatai district of Baku on 13 May there was a wake in the memory of Mehman Galandarov, who died under unclear circumstances in the Kurdakhany detention center on April 28. The ceremony was attended by representatives of civil society, intellectuals, and political parties. Prayers for the peace of the soul of the deceased were read.

The human rights activist Ogtay Gulaliyev in his speech said the democratic public did not allow the authorities to hush up the fact of Galandarov's death. Thanks to the protests of civil activists and publications in the media, the case received wide publicity not only in Azerbaijan, but also in the world. Special statements with an appeal to investigate Galandarov"s death were made by the US State Department and representatives of other international organizations. "We will continue our efforts to investigate the causes of Mehman Galandarov"s death and to bring to justice those who arrested him and those who tortured him. Mehman was a political prisoner, because the reason for his arrest was solidarity with other prisoners of conscience Bayram Mammadov and Giyas Ibrahimov," Gulaliyev said.

The ceremony ended with Ehsan - a treat in the memory of the deceased.

After the arrest of Mehman Galandarov, his relatives refused him under the pressure of the authorities. They did not participate in his burial, did not visit his graveç and did not have a wake at him. In this regard, representatives of civil society decided to hold a funeral feast at their own expense, thereby demonstrating a deep respect for Galandarov's memory and solidarity in the face of repression in Azerbaijan. -06D--