Defence achieves release of Azerbaijani oppositionist Ibragim

Today, the Baku Court of Appeal (BCA) has reduced the punishment of the convict Azerbaijani opposition leader Mamed Ibragim and ruled to release him. The defence intends to seek the full rehabilitation of the activist, said his advocate.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Mamed Ibragim, an adviser to the chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), who had served his three years in prison, was to be released on September 29, 2018, but he was arrested again for keeping a knife in his cell. Ibragim declared his innocence, but on January 10, 2019, the court sentenced him to 5 months and 20 days in prison.

Today, the BCA has reduced Ibragim's punishment down to the term already served, Djavad Djavadov, his advocate, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"The BCA has partially satisfied our complaint. The prison term was cut down to four months and 16 days, and, since the term has expired, the court has ruled to release Mamed Ibragim. He was set free in the courtroom," said the advocate.

According to his story, the defence will continue seeking full Ibragim's rehabilitation and will lodge a cassation complaint to the Supreme Court. "Although Mamed Ibragim is at large, it cannot be treated as restoration of justice. We will seek recognition of violation of Mamed Ibragim's rights by using all legal means, including the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR)," Mr Djavadov has stated.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on February 13, 2019 at 12:45 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.