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Baku court of grave crimes sentenced Siraj Kerimli, member of Azerbaijani party Musavat, to 6 years imprisonment on charges of illegal drug trade, Azerbaijani information agency Turan reports. 

According to the article, on 12 March the prosecutor asked the court to sentence him to 8 years in prison. The party Musavat condemned the verdict against Kerimli considering it as another case of the authorities’ crackdowns. 

“The aim of that verdict is to hold the citizens away from political activities, and create an atmosphere of fear in society. This shows the true face of the Azerbaijani authorities,” Musavat’s statement reads.

The party demanded that the authorities unconditionally release Kerimli and other political prisoners, the article reads.

Caucasian Knot adds that during the legal proceedings Siraj Kerimli and his lawyer declared about their disagreement with the charge. The lawyer Nemat Kerimli told the correspondent of Caucasian Knot that they had both stated that the charge lacked any base and evidence against Siraj. The whole version of the accusation is made up upon the testimonies of the policemen and the witnesses they brought. The lawyer said the position of the Defense was to bring a judgment of acquittal.

“But after the break the court brought in a verdict sentencing Siraj to 8 years in prison. It would be impossible to write a multipage verdict in 1-1.5 hours. It means the verdict was compiled beforehand, even before the lawyer and the defendant voiced their position. This once again proves the political motives of Siraj’s persecution,” Nemat Kerimli stated adding that they intended to appeal the verdict.

The head of the Center for monitoring of political prisoners Elshan Hasanov condemned the decision of the court against Siraj Kerimli. 

“Siraj’s case is definitely political. They arrested him confusing for brother. If he is really a major drug dealer, then why didn’t the investigation identify his suppliers and purchasers?” Elshan Hasanov told the correspondent of Caucasian Knot. 

Azerbaijani news outlet Haqqin.az adds that the legal proceedings were chaired by the judge Ahmed Guliyev. According to the article, Siraj Kerimli is the son of Musavat party activist Ragif Kerimli and the brother of the deputy chairman of that organization – Faraj Kerimli who is arrested on similar charges. Kerimli was arrested on 17 April, 2014 on charge of crime under Article 234.4.3 (illegal purchase or possession of large quantities of drugs). His brother Faraj Kerimli was arrested on 23 July of the same year. After his arrest he was elected vice-president of Musavat in absentia.

Amnesty International considers Musavat party members Faraj Kerimli and his brother Siraj arrested on charges of drug possession as prisoners of conscience.