ReAl activist arrested in Azerbaijan

Anar Mamedov, a member of the Republican Alternative (ReAl) Party, was sentenced to 10 days of administrative arrest for disobeying law enforcers. Mamedov's arrest has to do with his participation in a protest action, the father and party colleagues have stated.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the ReAl had complained about the pressure its members felt after the rally in Baku held on May 28, when Azerbaijan marked its Republic Day. On May 29 and 30, four ReAl members were arrested.

Anar Mamedov was detained on June 7, his father told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent today. "At first Anar was called out into the yard under the pretext that he had 'scratched' someone's car, although there was nothing of the kind. Then, they took him to some police station; and there a version appeared that he had allegedly used obscene language in the yard. Finally, he was accused of disobeying law enforcers," Azad Mamedov, the father, said.

According to his story, Anar Mamedov was brought to trial today and was sentenced to 10 days of administrative arrest under Article 535.1 (disobeying the lawful demands of policemen) of the Azerbaijani Code of Administrative Offenses.

"Anar was arrested for his participation in the commemoration action of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on May 28," the father has assured.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.