23:51, 14 December 2018

Baku court upholds fine imposed on oppositional leader

The court has upheld the fine of 1500 US dollars imposed on Ali Kerimli, the leader of the oppositional Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), after action held in Baku.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on November 17, a march of PFPA activists in Baku was stopped by police; over 50 people were detained. On November 19, the court fined Mr Kerimli, while three marchers were arrested for 20 days each.

The march was held on the National Revival Day: on November 17, 1988, rallies began in Baku, during which for the first time there were calls for Azerbaijan's exit from the USSR.

According to advocate Fuad Agaev, the defence asked the court to declare the fine imposed on Kerimli illegal.

"Ali Kerimli is charged with holding an unsanctioned march; however, he and other activists did not hold it. On the occasion of the National Revival Day, they wanted to visit the Alley of Martyrs (Fallen Heroes) and lay flowers on the graves of those who perished in the struggle for the independence of Azerbaijan," the advocate has explained.

Earlier, the Centre for the Protection of Political Prisoners planned on November 23 a marathon event aimed to raise funds to pay fines imposed on oppositionists. However, it was decided to postpone the marathon so far, said Ogtai Gyulyalyev, the coordinator of the Centre.

According to the opposition, a total of 5200 manats (more than 3000 US dollars) is needed to fully repay the fines.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on December 14, 2018 at 01:22 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

Author: Faik Medjid

Source: CK correspondent