11:26, 4 June 2004

Nakhchivan oppositionist renounces Azerbaijan citizenship

Deputy chair of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party branch in Nakhchivan Gasan Aliyev, one of the oppositionists who were on a hunger strike, addressed diplomatic missions of foreign countries in Azerbaijan, local and foreign media, and international human rights organizations with a statement on June 2. He announced in it that he gave up Azerbaijan citizenship.

He explained his decision by the persecution of opposition activists in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. He mentioned in particular the beating of participants in the May 28 opposition meeting by the police and the dispersal of hunger strikers who protested against police violence.

Besides, Gasan Aliyev pointed to the pressure being put by the police on his relatives. One of his brothers, who is a member of the ruling party, is threatened with arrest, another one is threatened with the eviction from his flat.

Editors note: See also the articles "Oppositionists go on hunger strike in Nakhichevan", "Police disperse hunger strikers in Nakhchivan".

Source: REGNUM News Agency