Rights defender Vidadi Iskenderov arrested in Azerbaijan

Mr Iskenderov, head of the NGO "Promotion of Democracy Defence" and a member of the Civil Movement for Democracy "Public Chamber" was arrested on charges of violating the law during the parliamentary elections in 2010.

The decision to arrest him for two months was made tonight by the Nasimin District Court of Baku.

As reported by Akif Alizade, Iskenderov's advocate, his client is accused under Articles 159.3 (forcing a citizen to vote against will and obstruction to voting) and 160.1 (interference with the work of election commissions) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.

At the elections on November 7, 2010, in Azerbaijan Iskenderov was a candidate for deputy at the 89th Agdash-Geichai constituency. Immediately after the elections, he presented video and material evidences of falsifications at the elections. However, the General Prosecutor's Office accused him of violating the law.

A criminal case was opened, and Iskenderov was summoned for questioning. Later, investigatory actions were suspended.

Iskenderov has not stopped his active work for cancellation of election outcomes. In late last December, he was among the ex-candidates who disagreed with the official election outcomes. This group of about 80 persons set up the Civil Movement for Democracy "Public Chamber".