28 October 2013, 15:11
In Azerbaijan, trial of "Nida" and "Free Youth" activists postponed till November
In Azerbaijan, the preliminary court session in the case against seven activists of the civil movement "Nida" and Ilkin Rustamzade, a member of the movement "Free Youth", accused of organizing riots, was scheduled for October 28. However, it did not take place because of shortage of time of the judge who was to chair the trial, and lack of courtrooms for court sessions. This was reported by Asabali Mustafaev, the advocate of one of the defendants.
The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that activists of the civil movement "Nida", who were detained in this March and April, were first accused of illegal possession of drugs and explosive substances, and Ilkin Rustamzade, a member of the movement "Free Youth", who was detained in May, was accused of disorderly conduct. However, on September 12, all young people faced new charges under Article 220.1 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan (organization of mass riots accompanied by arsons and pogroms). The activists face up to 12 years of imprisonment. Young people deny the charges against them.
Officials from the Baku Court of Grave Crimes have confirmed that the preliminary court session on the case has been postponed till November 5 for "technical reasons."
Author: Faik Medzhid Source: CK correspondent
