Future revolutionist arrested in Azerbaijan as draft evader

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Office of Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General stated that “draft dodging” is the reason behind young activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev’s arrest.

According to Spokesperson for the Republican Office of Prosecutor Eldar Sultanov, a criminal case was initiated against Hajiyev under article 321.1 of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code on January 24.

“The decision on Hajiyev’s arrest was adopted on March 4, he is accused of violation of the terms for transferring under police control as a measure of restraint. He was arrested the same day and is under investigation. One-month arrest has been chosen as a measure of restraint,” Trend quoted Sultanov as saying.

“While explaining his measure of restraint, Hajiev was told that he has to visit police station on a daily basis at 10:00am. However, it was found out that Hajiyev left Gandja after visiting the police station on March 2-4, 2011, to sign his schedule. Policemen numerously visited his place of residence and told Hajiyev’s father that his son should come to police. Relevant documents have been prepared with respect to it. However, Bakhtiyar Hajiyev had not come to the police station,” said Sultanov.

Hajiyev, 29, a Harvard graduate and a former parliament candidate, is one of the organizers of the March 11 Facebook campaign calling for a day of protest against the government. Hajiyev posted on his Facebook page the following appeal to police on behalf of "a group of Azerbaijani youth:"

"We learned from the developments in the Arab world that when people demand freedom, they achieve it. We call on you to stand on the right side of history, not to resort to force against your own citizens, to build a fair, happy, and free society in Azerbaijan together with ordinary people."

Hajiyev was detained earlier this year and charged with evading military service. He and other activists say the criminal case against him is politically motivated, RFE/RL reports.

Earlier, Yeni Musavat newspaper reported that Azerbaijani forces are gathering in Baku, which is explained by the local authorities’ serious concern over the possibility of riots. Besides, Baku servicemen are not allowed leaves of absence. The authorities have been alarmed with the creation of a Facebook group of March 11, Great National Day. The message posted on the webpage urges Baku residents to participate in protest rally planned for March 11. The group already list over 20 000 users. Musavat oppositional party rally has been scheduled for March 12 in Baku. In the Azerbaijani capital, the authorities’ actions are construed as preparations for suppressing the riots. Although some experts believe the concerns to be groundless, the ongoing events prove that Azerbaijan is getting ready for serious events.