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Azerbaijani Opposition Activist Charged With Drug Possession


Azerbaijani opposition activist Dashqin Malikov
Azerbaijani opposition activist Dashqin Malikov
BAKU -- Police have arrested an opposition activist in the Azerbaijani city of Sumqayit, about 30 kilometers north from the capital, Baku.

Dasqin Malikov of Azerbaijan's Popular Front Party (AXCP) was arrested on March 26.

Sumqayit city police spokesman Elnur Asadov told RFE/RL that Malikov was charged with illegal drug possession.

No more details on the charges were released.

Malikov's father, Alisafa Malikov, told RFE/RL his son suffers from asthma and has never used any illegal drugs.

He said his son's arrest is politically motivated and connected with his frequent participation in public protests organized by youth groups opposing authorities.

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

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