Azerbaijani opposition criticizes authorities for torturing dissenters

Cases of administrative violence and torture against citizens have again become more frequent in Azerbaijan. This is stated in a statement by the National Council of Democratic Forces of Azerbaijan.

Among the latest acts of human rights violations, the document examines the cases of two religious activists. These are Jeyhun Balashov, who became disabled as a result of torture with electric shock, and Agali Yakhyaev, a member of the board of the Union of Muslims movement, who, unable to withstand the torture, pleaded guilty to uncommitted crimes.

Throughout the entire period of government of the current authorities in Azerbaijan, violence has been used against leaders of the political opposition and civil society. Among them are Ali Karimli, Tofik Yagublu, Ibrahim Ibrahimli, Fuad Gahramanli, Agil Maharramli, Babek Hasanov, Niyameddin Akhmedov, Alizamin Salayev, Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, Mehman Huseynov and many others, a total of 100 people.

“The National Council calls on the international community and the democratic community of the world to take a decisive position regarding the transformation of torture into state policy in Azerbaijan,” the document states.