The Georgian Foreign Ministry has criticized statements made by the European Union regarding legal proceedings that could lead to the banning of five opposition parties. The ministry issued its response following comments made on October 19 by European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand.
A preparatory session was held at the Garadagh District Court in Baku on the case of Zamin Salaev, the head of the district organization of the Azerbaijan People’s Front Party. He stated that the criminal case against him was a political order, and in protest he went on hunger strike for 85 days.
The court refused to mitigate the measure of restraint and to place Salaev under house arrest. PNFA leader Ali Kerimli, who observed the process, noted that a man who performs a hunger strike for 85 days is brought to court in a regular car. He cannot move on his own. Such treatment is inhuman.
On February 8, Zamin Salaev was arrested for three months. Criminal proceedings were instituted against him for hooliganism and the use of force. He stated that the accusation is false and he is punished for criticizing the authorities on social networks. Human rights activists have recognized Salaev as a political prisoner.