Representatives of the Council of Europe have called on Azerbaijani authorities to release human rights defender Anar Mammadli, who was sentenced to 13 years in prison. Specifically, PACE rapporteur on political prisoners Azadeh Rojhan asserts that his prosecution is political in nature and that fundamental principles of a fair trial were violated during the proceedings.
On the night of July 26, police in Tbilisi detained ten participants of a protest outside the city council building, known as the Sakrebulo. The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs announced the detentions.
According to the ministry, the protesters displayed "offensive banners" in a public place, shouted offensive slogans, disturbed public order, and resisted police officers during the arrest.
Administrative charges were filed against the detainees under Articles 166 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of Georgia. These articles cover petty hooliganism and disobedience to the lawful orders of police officers.
The Interior Ministry did not specify exactly what was depicted on the banners or which statements law enforcement deemed offensive. Nor did the ministry provide details regarding the specifics of the arrests.