Azerbaijani human rights activist reportedly beaten in custodySeptember 25, 2014 - 23:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Lawyers of Azerbaijani human rights activist Leyla Yunus say that their client has been beaten in pretrial detention, RFE/RL reported. According to the lawyers, a guard in the detention center on Sept 23 transferred Yunus to an empty cell, pushed her to the floor, and dragged her by her hair. The Azerbaijani Justice Ministry rejected the lawyers' statement, saying that Yunus's rights are being duly respected. Yunus, 57, is a fierce critic of Azerbaijan's poor rights record. She and her husband, Arif Yunus, 59, were arrested in July and August and charged with high treason, spying for Armenia, illegal business activities, forgery, and fraud. Human rights organizations have demanded that the Azerbaijani authorities immediately release the couple, saying the charges against them were politically motivated. Photo: Aziza Karimova Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |