Advocate complains about non-admission to arrested activist in Azerbaijan

The advocate of Malik Rzaev, an activist of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), accused of drug dealing, claims that he cannot visit his client. Rzaev's relatives disagree with the charges and believe that the real reason for his arrest is his criticism of Azerbaijani authorities.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Mutallim Orudjev, another PFPA activist, was detained on October 23. Natig Adilov, the head of the PFPA's press service, said that Orudjev had left for Germany several years ago and continued his political activities there, but this year he was deported to Azerbaijan. The activist said he had confessed under torture.

The advocate Nemat Kerimli is not allowed to visit Malik Rzaev, the "Turan" News Agency has reported.

Rzaev was arrested virtually at the same time with Orudjev, who was also charged with drug dealing. Both were deported from Germany in June. Rzaev's relatives fear that he was tortured, since earlier Orudjev had stated the same.

Let us remind you that there have already been arrests of activists who had returned from political emigration to Azerbaijan. Thus, Azad Gasanov was arrested on October 12, 2018, after returning home from Lithuania. The activist said that had confessed to drug dealing under threat of torture. On August 5 of the same year, Gasanov was found guilty, but released after his punishment was softened.