2024-02-10 08:11:26
A political activist who was arrested shortly after being deported from Germany and sent to Baku Samir Ashurova was sentenced to 6 years and 6 months in prison. On December 18, he was sentenced at the Baku Court of Serious Crimes.
In the verdict, it is claimed that S. Ashurov injured Elshan Nabiyev with a knife near the “Neftchilar” subway station in April last year, and was found guilty of acts such as intentional grievous bodily harm and hooliganism.
Speaking before the verdict, S. Ashurov said that such a crime never happened.
“Mr. Judge, you yourself know very well that I did not commit this crime. I am accused of a crime that does not exist.”
According to the political activist, he went to Germany with his family in 2018 because he was arrested on charges of resisting the police and drugs and because of persecution.
He emphasized that the reason he was defamed and arrested was his participation in protests related to human rights in Azerbaijan during his stay in Germany, his criticisms on social networks.
“While I was there, I did not stop my political activity, but I never crossed the red line in my political struggle and criticism. Immediately after the deportation, they called the General Prosecutor’s Office. Four of the political activists who were deported from Germany before me were drugged. I also expected to be arrested…”.
As for the day of the incident, S. Ashurov said that when he was going to his house, he was attacked by a person who was coming. When he realized that it was a provocation, he wanted to run away. At that time, he was stopped by the surrounding policemen:
“When they stopped me, they put a knife in my pocket. I took it and threw it outside, where there were trees. They found it and brought it, put it in my pants pocket. They took me to the 24th section. This is the third time I have been defamed in my struggle for the freedom of this people. I am proud of that…”
The lawyer of the political activist after the verdict Elchin Sadigov He told RFE/RL that he will file an appeal.
Freedom radio