Azeri opposition and rights defenders condemn arrest of Natig Kerimov

The absurdity of charges of treason against Natig (Natiq) Kerimov, one of the elders of the settlement of Nardaran, was stated by opposition leaders and rights defenders of Azerbaijan.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Natig Kerimov was detained on January 6 in Nardaran near School No. 62, where he came to pick up his grandson. A court in Baku ruled to arrest him for four months. The State Security Service of Azerbaijan has accused Kerimov of spying in favour of a foreign state.

Djamil Gasanli, Chairman of the National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF), told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that he does not believe in the accusation of treason moved against Kerimov.

Natig Kerimov stood for peaceful methods of political struggle; and it is absurd to accuse him of treason, Ali Kerimli, the leader of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA) is confident.

The Kerimov's arrest was also condemned by Ilgar Ibragimoglu, the head of the DEVAMM (Centre for Protection of Freedom of Conscience and Religion).

"We know Natig Kerimov as a believer and patriot of his homeland. We treat accusation of him of treason as madness," states the Ibragimoglu's statement, available at the disposal of the "Caucasian Knot".

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.