Activists' attempt to contact Ali Kerimli ends with fines

Two activists of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA) were detained near the home of Ali Kerimli, the party leader and fined by USD 60 each for violating the quarantine regime. They were punished for trying to contact Kerimli, the PFPA has stated.

At noon on April 28, Saadat Djakhangir, an employee of the "Azadlyg" newspaper, and Irada Nariman, Deputy Chair of the Supreme Mejlis of the PFPA, were detained at the entrance to the house, where Ali Kerimli lives, Ms Djakhangir told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"April 28 is Ali Kerimli's 55th birthday. On this occasion, I wanted to interview him and make a report. For two weeks already, he is disconnected from the Internet and telephone; therefore, I decided to visit him at home. Irada Nariman accompanied me. Journalists are in the category that requires no special permit for leaving home under quarantine; and Irada Nariman had an SMS permit to leave her home for three hours," Saadat Djakhangir has explained, adding that when they approached Kerimli's house, four policemen came up to them and demanded to follow them to the police station.

"At the station, we were fined by 100 manats (almost USD 60) for 'violating the quarantine regime' and released," Ms Djakhangir said, adding that she will appeal against the policemen's actions in court.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on April 29, 2020 at 01:44 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.