01:24, 19 September 2018

Azerbaijani oppositionist Orkhan Bakhyshly sentenced to 6 years of imprisonment

The Baku Court on Grave Crimes. Photo © Sputnik / Murad Orujov https://ru.sputnik.az/karabakh/20170720/411167938/blogeru-lapshinu-dali-tri-goda.html

Orkhan Bakhyshly, a member of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), has associated his persecution with political nature.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on May 9, Orkhan Bakhyshly was arrested on the charge of illicit drug trafficking on a large scale. The defendant refused to speak at trial in protest against the fact that his supporters could not get into the court building.

Orkhan Bakhyshly is included in the list of political prisoners, enlisting 128 people. "The young man took an active part in protests. And criminal proceedings were instituted against him three days after his speech at the grave of journalist Elmar Guseinov. In his speech, the activist charged the country's authorities responsible for the murder of Elmar Guseinov," said Ogtai Gyulyalyev, a coordinator of the Centre for the Protection of Political Prisoners.

"In his final speech, my son has said he is not afraid of arrest and treats it a new stage in his struggle for the democratization of our country. He has noted he is willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of the Motherland," said Kyamalya Ragimli, a mother of the activist.

Advocate Elchin Sadygov has also expressed his disagreement with the court's decision.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on September 18, 2018 at 03:02 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

Author: Faik Medjid

Source: CK correspondent