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Azerbaijani Activists' Pretrial Detention Extended


Sahib Karimov is one of three opposition activists whose detention has been extended.
Sahib Karimov is one of three opposition activists whose detention has been extended.
BAKU -- Three more Azerbaijani opposition activists arrested during an April protest in Baku had their pretrial detention extended by two months on June 1, RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service reports.

Ahad Mammadli, deputy head of the Musavat Party's youth wing; Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP) Deputy Chairman Sahib Karimov; and APFP activist Babak Hasanov were charged with organizing "actions resulting in the violation of public order and resisting and using force against government officials."

If found guilty, the three could be sentenced to between three and seven years in jail.

Mammadli's lawyer, Yalchin Imanov, told RFE/RL that there are no grounds for extending his client's pretrial detention.

"No investigation was conducted during the two months Ahad was in jail," he said. "There was no need to prolong his term. We'll appeal this decision."

Of the 13 activists facing charges in connection with the April 2 protest, seven have already had their pretrial detention extended by two months.

The Public Chamber opposition umbrella movement plans a new protest on June 19.

Read more in Azeri here
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