Azerbaijani "Nida" activists tell the court that tear gas was injected into paddy wagon

Activists of the "Nida" Movement, accused of organizing riots, said today in court that after the court session held on April 1, they got poisoned by tear gas injected into the paddy wagon that transported them.

As stated by the defendant Zaur Gurbanly, after the court session on April 1, the young people were brought in a paddy wagon to the Kyurdakhan SIZO (pre-trial prison). According to his story, at the entrance to the SIZO, the truck was stopped; and its ventilation system was switched off.

In response to young people's requests, an officer appeared and sprinkled pepper gas into the compartment, after which the defendants got sick, Mr Gurbanly continued, adding that he lost his consciousness, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

Gurbanly's statement was confirmed by other defendants. They reported that on April 2 they filed a complaint to the SIZO administration.

The Penitentiary Service denies the allegations.