Defence of Azerbaijani activist, Razi Gumbatov, to appeal against his arrest

Razi Gumbatov, an activist of the "Muslim Unity" movement, who was arrested within a drug dealing case, was deprived of the opportunity to contact his family and invite a lawyer of his choice, his defence has stated in an appeal complaint against his arrest. Gumbatov had been conducting an anti-drug campaign in his dwelling settlement by warning young people against drug use, the movement has stated.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Gumbatov's associates believe that the case against him was fabricated; and the real reason for persecuting him is in his criticism of Azerbaijani authorities in social networks.

Razi Gumbatov faces up to 12 years in prison under an article on large-scale drug dealing, said Djavad Djavadov, his advocate.

The "Muslim Unity" said that Gumbatov had been a member of the movement for about five years. "Razi was very active in social networks. He criticized violations of citizens' rights, officials' lawlessness and social injustice," the movement has stated.

Besides, Gumbatov called on the residents of Djeiranbatan to consolidate in the fight against drugs and offered local residents create a charitable fund for treating young people suffering from drug addiction.

"However, for authorities, any citizens' organization is dangerous. They see this as a threat to the development of citizens' collective efforts in the social sphere into a political struggle," said the movement's spokesperson.

On July 1, Gumbatov criticized Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev on his Facebook.