Activist framed over helping prisoners' families, mother says

Alikram Namazov

The family of an Azerbaijani religious activist detained in March say he has been falsely charged with drug offences because of his charity work helping the relatives of imprisoned believers.

Alikram Namazov was detained on 12 March while leaving his home. His mother, said he was held for five days at the Khirdalan District Police Department before criminal charges were filed.

Since his arrest, Mr Namazov has been denied contact with his family, who say they have been blocked from visiting or speaking to him on the phone.

He has not called us since he was detained," his mother told. "He only called his father once on the day of his arrest, in the presence of a state-appointed lawyer... Since then, there has been no contact."

The family said they were initially told Mr Namazov faced charges under Article 234.4.3 of the criminal code, which carries severe penalties for selling large quantities of narcotics.

His lawyer later clarified that the charge had been changed to Article 234.1-1, which covers illegal drug possession without the intent to sell.

However, his family maintains the allegations are entirely fabricated to punish him for providing financial and material support to the families of other jailed religious figures.

His mother expressed deep concern over his well-being in detention, calling on authorities to grant her access.

I am a parent, how can they restrict a parent?" she said. "If I could at least have an open meeting, I could talk to my child and know his troubles. Now I do not know what is happening to him, whether he is eating, or how he is."