03 April 2014, 23:04
Azerbaijan: Mursalli, active user of social networks, convicted to five years
In Azerbaijan, Elsever Mursalli, 20, a member of the Civil Movement "Nida" and an active user of social networks, has been sentenced to five years in prison. The young man treats the criminal case against him as politically motivated.
The Baku Court of Grave Crimes has passed the verdict to Elsever Mursalli today, after finding him guilty under Article 234.4.3 (illegal acquisition or possession of large stock of drugs with the aim of trading) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, as Ulvi Gasanli, a board member of the "Nida", told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.
According to Gasanli, Mursalli had criticized the Azerbaijani authorities on the Facebook; and during the presidential election on October 9, Mursalli actively supported Jamil Gasanli, the oppositional presidential candidate nominated by the National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF).
"Elsever was deprived of effective legal defence – he was defended by an appointed advocate. But now the "Nida" organizes his public defence. Besides, we plan to attract independent lawyers, who will compile an appeal and defend Elsever at the Baku Court of Appeal," said Gasanli.
Author: Faik Medzhid Source: CK correspondent
