Azeri MPs urge government to free anti-Armenian protesters

ANS TV, Baku
25 Jun 04

[Presenter] Some MPs will appeal to the Azerbaijani
prosecutor-general. They intend to ask him to release on bail the
jailed representatives of the Karabakh Liberation Organization [KLO].

[Correspondent over video of parliament] KLO chairman Akif Nagi and
four other members of the organization charged with hooliganism and
jailed for protesting against the arrival in Baku of the occupying
Armenian army’s officers should be released unconditionally, many MPs
think.

[MP Anar speaking to microphone] I do not want anyone to be jailed. I
think that people protesting against the Armenian officers’ visit to
Baku have the right to do so.

[MP Qudrat Hasanquliyev] We will appeal to the prosecutor-general to
change the restraining measure against Akif Nagi and others. If we do
not get a response, then we will undoubtedly involve other members of
the public and adopt a decision to set up a committee to protect Akif
Nagi’s rights.

[MP Alimammad Nuriyev] We are drawing up an appeal on changing the
restraining measure against them so that they can be released on bail.

[MP Rifat Agalarov] The arrest of these people is a very negative
case. Those people have the physical and moral right to express their
protest against the Armenians’ visit to Azerbaijan. I resolutely
protest against their arrest. I think that we should demand that the
government and the law-enforcement agencies release them immediately.

[MP Sayyad Aran] I am also against the Armenians’ visit to
Azerbaijan. But the protest should not be expressed in this way. The
protest should not be expressed by smashing state property and
entering in a violent and unpleasant way into a hall where an
international event is being held. This is unforgivable. I understand
them. I understand their feelings. I regret their arrest since I
understand where their actions stem from.

[Correspondent] The MPs are convinced that President Ilham Aliyev will
also express his position on the people arrested because of the
Armenians.

Afat Telmanqizi and Azar Qarayev, ANS.