FORMER POLICE CHIEF OF TOVUZ: I AM GLAD THAT TO RETURN TO HOME COUNTRY

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
June 8 2007

The arrest of former police chief of Tovuz region, living in Turkey
Novruz Hasanov has been commuted and the decision on his search has
been annulled, member of the working group on human rights Chingiz
Ganizade told the APA. The rights defender said that former chief’s
family got a letter about the abolition of the decision, signed by
Deputy Prosecutor General Rustem Usubov on June 6.

"Rights defenders appealed to the government on commuting the decision,
our appeal was considered and positive decision was made.

We are grateful to the representatives of the government," he said.

Noting that Hasanov faced charges under articles 167.1 (abuse of
power), 172 (negligence) of the Criminal Code efficient by 2000
Ganizade said that these articles have been included in all amnesty
acts passed since 1998.

"Therefore, I consider that after Novruz Hasanov returns to Azerbaijan
he will be interrogated and the efficient amnesty act will be
applicable for him," he said.

Novruz Hasanov told the APA that his migratory life is about to end.

"I was very glad to hear the news. I knew that NGOs appealed to
law-enforcement bodies for commuting the decision. I was accused
of giving passports to Turkish citizens who came to fight against
Armenians. Though it was in motherland’s favor it is a crime. I
understand it. I am grateful to the law-enforcement bodies, government
for passing this decision," he said.

Hasanov said he is thinking of returning to Azerbaijan, he did not
tell the exact date.