Rapper Elshad Hose arrested in Azerbaijan

Activists linked the 15-day arrest to a video in which the rapper made unflattering comments about the demolition of buildings in Baku's historic district.

In Azerbaijan, rapper Elshad Aliyev, known by his stage name Elshad Jose, has been arrested for 15 days on administrative charges of petty hooliganism and disobeying police, qaynar.info reported. According to the official version, Jose used "obscene language" on Shikhali Gurbanov Street without addressing anyone. However, Jose's appeal was dismissed.

A source in the Baku Court of Appeal confirmed to a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that the appeal of Jose, who was arrested by a decision of the Yasamal District Court of Baku, was "rejected."

Azerbaijani activists linked Jose's arrest to a video he posted on social media in which he made an emotional comment about the demolition of a historic district of Baku.

"A few days ago, Elshad Hose shared a short video in which he expressed harsh words about the demolition of buildings in Bayır Şəhər (Outer City). This area was built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries during Azerbaijan's oil boom, outside the medieval part of the city, Içəri Şəhər (Inner City). Unfortunately, along with old, dilapidated buildings, buildings of architectural value were also slated for demolition. "Elshad Hose, being a creative person, expressed his unique and emotional attitude toward this treatment of historical heritage," said one Baku activist, who wished to remain anonymous.

An Azerbaijani human rights activist, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that the phrase "indiscriminately using obscene language" is "usually used to arrest activists on politically motivated charges."

"Apparently, Elshad Hose was indeed arrested for a video criticizing the demolition of Bayır Şəhər, where bulldozers sometimes even target architectural landmarks. Hose is quite free in his work and allows himself to express himself beyond the pale, and he suffered for it," the human rights activist said.