Youth activist of PPFA D. Babayev arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct

Youth activist of PPFA Dayanat Babayev on Saturday completed a 7-day administrative arrest for participating in opposition protests on November 17, but was not released. He was re-arrested now as a suspect in a criminal case of hooliganism.

The press service of the Interior Ministry confirmed this information.

According to the agency, together with Musa Rahim, Babayev in the evening of 7 November insulted a Tofig Salimov in Nizami street and caused him minor injuries. On the fact, a criminal case was filed under Article 221.2.1 (hooliganism committed by a group of persons) of the Criminal Code.

However, PPFA rejected this.

In fact, as the head of the press service of the PFPA Natig Adilov said, this man (Salimov) introduced himself to the youths as an official of the Interior Ministry and invited them to follow him to the police station. When the youth activists demanded his submission of his business card, he ran away. The activists reported the case to the police officer nearby, but were detained themselves.

However, the young people were caused to write an explanatory note, and allowed to go.

PPFA regards the detention of Babayev as a step "of suppression of political activity and the youth movement."

"However, such a treatment by the authorities against political opponents cannot prevent the unfolding of consistent and principled struggle for democracy in the country. This unjust arrest will promote greater unity and determination of citizens to fight for their rights," the statement of the party says.

If proven guilty, Babayev will face a sentence of correctional labor up to two years or up to 5 years in prison. -06B-