Azerbaijani oppositionist Said Mamedzade sentenced to real prison term

Said Mamedzade, an activist of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), has been sentenced to 3.5 years in prison on charges of hooliganism. His defence has disagreed with the verdict and stated its intent to appeal against it. The PFPA is sure that Mamedzade is being persecuted for political reasons.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Said Mamedzade was arrested on charges of hooliganism in May 2020. The PFPA then stated that the accusation was fabricated; and Mamedzade was prosecuted for political reasons.

On April 28, the Khatai District Court of Baku announced the verdict to Said Mamedzade. The court found him guilty under Article 221.3 (hooliganism committed with the use of a weapon or an object used as a weapon) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan and sentenced him to imprisonment for 3.5 years; Elchin Sadygov, a Mamedzade's advocate, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

According to Sadygov, the case materials claim that Mamedzade had stabbed his opponent on the basis of a dispute that broke out at a car service. Mamedzade denied the charges brought against him and called the case fabricated. According to his version, he "hadn't touched" the victim with a finger, Mr Sadygov asserts.

The PFPA sees political motives in Mamedzade's case. "Said Mamedzade has joined the PFPA because he sympathized with the party's ideas. As an athlete, he participated in the party on a voluntary basis to guard the PFPA leader, Ali Kerimli. Apparently, authorities want to completely isolate Ali Kerimli, trying to use intimidation methods to distance his circle away from him, Natig Gyulakhmedoglu, the head of the PFPA's press service, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on April 28, 2021 at 09:59 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.