Court in Azerbaijan mitigates punishment to protester of families of perished soldiers

On December 14, a Baku court reduced the arrest of Togrul Godjaev, who was detained at a rally held by relatives of the militaries perished in the Karabakh conflict, from 30 days to 15 days.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on December 11, members of the families of the servicemen, who perished in 1991-1997, gathered at the presidential administration to express their dissatisfaction with the refusal to pay compensations. However, the police stopped the action and arrested its participant, Togrul Godjaev, for "disobeying the lawful demands of the police."

"We hoped that Togrul would be released, at least in respect for the memory of his father, who gave his life in defence of his homeland, but this did not happen," said his mother, Makhabbat Godjaeva. According to her story, her son declared his innocence.

The court has decided to shorten his arrest "in view of mitigating circumstances." "I said that Togrul has two small children. And the judge, in response, spread his hands and said quietly: 'I did all what I could, understand me'," said Ms Godjaeva.

Elshan Gasanov, the coordinator of the Union "For the Freedom of Political Prisoners of Azerbaijan", has noted that the article of "disobeying the police" is often used in the country against those detained for criticizing the authorities.