Activists treat prosecution of Mekhti Ibragimov as revenge on his father

The defence of Mekhti Ibragimov, who has been on a hunger strike in custody for the eighth day already, has filed a motion to transfer the detainee under house arrest. Activists treat the prosecution of Mekhti Ibragimov as revenge for the opposition activities of his father Mamed Ibragim.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on July 22, Mekhti Ibragimov was arrested for three months on the charge of spreading the coronavirus infection after a protest action in Baku. On August 10, Mekhti Ibragimov went on a hunger strike with the demand to release him.

Today, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent has been told by Turan Ibragim, an activist's brother, that Mekhti Ibragimov continues his hunger strike. "We are receiving information through other prisoners and their relatives. The Mekhti's health state is weak," Turan Ibragim said.

Agil Laidjev, an advocate of Mekhti Ibragimov, has also confirmed that his client continues his hunger strike.

"Today, I have been again refused when I wanted to visit Mekhti Ibragimov. Today, I have filed a motion to the court to transfer Mekhti Ibragimov under house arrest. I hope at least this way will let me see him in court," Agil Laidjev stated.

Gezyal Bairamly, the deputy chair of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), believes that Mekhti Ibragimov "is being avenged for his father's oppositional activities."

"A criminal charge was brought against Mekhti after they learned that his father Mamed Ibragim was one of the leaders of our Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan. They (the authorities) are not even stopped by the fact that Mekhti does not share his father's political views and is a member of the ruling 'New Azerbaijan Party'," Gezyal Bairamly noted.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on August 17, 2020 at 05:20 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.