Azerbaijan: repeated judicial inquiry of PFPA activist's case

Today, the Sumgait Court of Appeal, chaired by Judge Lyatifa Mamedova, has continued considering the complaint of Jabbar Savalan, an activist of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA).

In the context of the repeated judicial inquiry, the July 19 session questioned Faik Mirzoev, chief operative agent of the criminal search division of the Sumgait Police Department, as a witness. He stated that the decision to search Savalan's clothes in his house was made on the basis of "operative information." According to Mirzoev, Savalan hindered the search; therefore, he was detained and brought to the Sumgait Police Department. According to the witness, Savalan was searched at the Department in the presence of witnesses; and drugs were found on him.

However, Savalan has refuted the evidences of the operative agent, saying that the drugs had been planted on him. He also said that Mirzoev pressed on him aiming to obtain a confession by threatening to "cause troubles" to his mother and brother.

The defence made a motion to interrogate Ragim Shikhaliev, who figures in the case as a witness. The court has satisfied the motion and appointed the next session for 3:00 p.m. on July 21.