Trial begins for APFP member Kenan Basgal in Baku amid political prisoner claims.

Kenan Basgal

The trial has started for Kenan Basgal (Zeynalov), a member of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP) and volunteer bodyguard for party chairman Ali Karimli.

In a preliminary hearing at the Baku Grave Crimes Court on November 6, Basgal's lawyer, Nazim Musayev, requested the case be dropped, asserting his client committed no crime. Basgal, arrested in March and accused of intentionally causing serious harm with hooligan intent, denies stabbing Anar Rahimov during an argument in Yeni Gunashli. He claims his arrest was staged.

Musayev pointed out inconsistencies in the case materials, questioning why Basgal was taken to a distant district instead of a closer medical facility if the victim's life was in danger. He also requested house arrest for his client, but the judge, Mahira Karimova, denied all motions, setting the next hearing for November 20. The judge prevented Basgal himself from speaking, saying that he could testify later.

The APFP claims roughly 15 of its members are imprisoned for political reasons, including Karimli's guards and drivers. Rights organizations estimate around 400 political prisoners exist in Azerbaijan, claims the government disputes, stating individuals are held accountable for criminal actions, not political beliefs.The trial has started for Kenan Basgal (Zeynalov), a member of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP) and volunteer bodyguard for party chairman Ali Karimli.

In a preliminary hearing at the Baku Grave Crimes Court on November 6, Basgal's lawyer, Nazim Musayev, requested the case be dropped, asserting his client committed no crime. Basgal, arrested in March and accused of intentionally causing serious harm with hooligan intent, denies stabbing Anar Rahimov during an argument in Yeni Gunashli. He claims his arrest was staged.

Musayev pointed out inconsistencies in the case materials, questioning why Basgal was taken to a distant district instead of a closer medical facility if the victim's life was in danger. He also requested house arrest for his client, but the judge, Mahira Karimova, denied all motions, setting the next hearing for November 20. The judge prevented Basgal himself from speaking, saying that he could testify later.

The APFP claims roughly 15 of its members are imprisoned for political reasons, including Karimli's guards and drivers. Rights organizations estimate around 400 political prisoners exist in Azerbaijan, claims the government disputes, stating individuals are held accountable for criminal actions, not political beliefs.