Azerbaijan: PFPA activist accused of financing terrorism

Niyameddin Akhmedov, an activist of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA) has been accused of financing terrorism. The PFPA treats the criminal case as a "gross falsification with the aim of political revenge."

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on April 15, Niyameddin Akhmedov was detained and arrested for 30 days for "violating the quarantine regime" and "disobeying the police's lawful demands". The PFPA asserts that law enforcers tortured the activist forcing him to testify against Ali Kerimli, the party leader.

Akhmedov was detained on April 15 after he left home, having received an SMS permit needed because of the quarantine. He is an Ali Kerimli's bodyguard.

Akhmed Farkhadov, an advocate, said that the point is about sending money to Akhmedov by some person who lives abroad. "Niyameddin Akhmedov has refused to plead guilty. He said that the person repaid him a part of the debt," the advocate said.

"Two years ago, they invented the case of 'illegally financing the PFPA' and accused our activists of 'money laundering.' Now, they came up with a case of 'financing terrorism.' It's an absolute absurdity. His neighbour borrowed money from Niyameddin several years ago, and then began repaying the debt in parts," said Gezyal Bairamly, the PFPA deputy chairman.

She believes that Akhmedov is persecuted because he had supported Ali Kerimli.

"For its more than 30-year-long history, the PFPA has never resorted to violent methods; and accusing our activist of financing terrorism is unacceptable. This is a mockery of the law," the PFPA has stated.