13 January 2022, 23:53
Defence of Azerbaijani oppositionist Gadjiev requests court to postpone trial
The trial against oppositionist Shakhin Gadjiev, accused of drug trafficking, began in the Ganja City Court on Grave Crimes. Shakhin Gadjiev pleaded not guilty and complained about torture.
The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Shakhin Gadjiev, a member of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), was detained in November 2021. His colleagues from the PFPA suggest that the activist is being persecuted for his political activities.
Advocate Zabil Gakhramanov notes that Shakhin Gadjiev faces up to 12 years of imprisonment.
According to the investigators’ version, the police found drugs – 13 grams of heroin – in the defendant’s belongings. However, Shakhin Gadjiev pleads not guilty. According to the defendant, the drugs were planted to him by law enforcers. Shakhin Gadjiev complained about torture. The medical examination also confirmed that he entered a SIZO (pre-trial prison) with injuries to his legs.
"”Shakhin Gadjiev is a chess coach and an active user of social media, and there is reason to believe that he is being persecuted for his political views,” said Rufat Safarov, the head of the “Line of Defence” NGO.
This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on January 13, 2022 at 12:49 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.
