On September 16, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe decided to end control over the execution of the Strasbourg court verdict in the case of a member of the political council of the Republican Alternative party Natiga Jafarli. The ECHR decision was made on November 7, 2019 in connection with the arrest of the politician in August 2016.

The Strasbourg court concluded that Jafarli was arrested without any solid suspicion on charges of committing economic crimes.

Taking into account the payment of compensation by the government and the absence of other negative consequences for Jafarli of the criminal case, which was terminated in 2017, the Committee of Ministers considered the question is closed.

Commenting on the decision of the Committee of Ministers to Turan, legal expert Khalid Agaliyev noted that out of 7 cases under the control of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which were conditionally referred to the “group of Anar Mammadli”, only the issue with regard to Jafarli is considered closed. In relation to him, the government has complied with all individual measures.

However, general measures have not yet been implemented. It is about eliminating the practice of using criminal law against government critics, civil society activists and human rights defenders.

The Committee of Ministers will continue to monitor general measures in the framework of the full implementation of the ECtHR decision within the framework of the “Anar Mammadli group”. This group includes human rights activists Anar Mammadli, Intigam Aliyev, journalist Khadija Ismayilova and other activists.

Despite their release from prison, some restrictions remain on these individuals.

Source: Turan News Agency