In "Nardaran case", defendants describe themselves as fighters against injustice

On January 18, the Baku Court of Grave Crimes continued listening to final speeches of the defendants in the "Nardaran case". All of them pleaded not guilty and associated their prosecution with fight against injustice and lawlessness. The defendants have also reminded the Court of the use of torture against them after their detention. This was reported by the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent who attended the court hearing.

The first final speech was delivered by Ali Nuriev. He said that he believed law enforcers acted very cruelly during the special operation in Nardaran.

"Farail Bunyadov (a local resident, killed during the special operation, note of the 'Caucasian Knot') got no gunshot wounds... Farail was beaten with batons and a butt stock of submachine gun... He was beaten to death," said Ali Nuriev.

The defendant also said that after his detention he had been subjected to torture and law enforcers voiced threats against his family members. Ali Nuriev has retracted all confessions given during the preliminary investigation.

Defendant Rasim Djebrailov has stated that the defendants in the case appeared behind bars, since they protested against corruption, injustice and poverty.

Defendant Zakir Mustafaev also rejected the accusations.

"All accusations are false. We do not want to change the constitutional system. We stand for a secular system, but upon condition of freedom for people and observance of their rights. I am willing not only to go to prison, but also to saсrify my life for the victory of law, justice, and democracy in Azerbaijan," said Zakir Mustafaev.

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