Rights defenders announce independent investigation into Mekhman Galandarov's death

Today, during a discussion organized by the Centre for the Protection of Political Prisoners, it has been decided to create an independent commission to investigate the circumstances of the death of activist Mekhman Galandarov at the Baku SIZO (pre-trial prison). Participants in the discussion have called on investigators to carry out an exhumation of the body and to appoint an examination with involvement of independent experts.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on April 29, the Mekhman Galandarov's death was reported by his friends and relatives. According to them, he committed suicide.

According to participants in the public hearings, the behaviour of the Penitentiary Service and the secret funeral ceremony make one doubt that Mekhman Galandarov committed suicide.

"The initial refutation of the fact of the activist's death, the later refusal to give out the body of the deceased activist to his relatives, and the funeral ceremony held secretly from the public make it possible to doubt that Mekhman Galandarov committed suicide," said Ogtay Gyulyalyev, the leader of the public alliance "Azerbaijan without Political Prisoners".

It is impossible to commit suicide at the SIZO, since there are no single cells there and a warder is constantly walking around in a corridor. This opinion was voiced by Ibragim Ibragimli, a member of the National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF).

Geizal Bairamly, the deputy chair of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), has reminded the participants of the discussion that Mekhman Galandarov was charged with illegal drug trafficking and that he rejected the charge.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.