Trial of forcibly detained Azerbaijanis wraps up in Yekaterinburg UPDATED

In Yekaterinburg, the court hearing concerning Azerbaijanis detained by Russian security forces with the use of violence has concluded.

The detention of three individuals — Akif, Ayaz, and Mazahir Safarovs — was extended by the court for 22 more days, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The custody period for Bakir Safarov, Ahliman Ganjiyev, and Shahin Lalayev was extended by three days.

Additionally, Kamal Safarov and Aziz Abbasov, who were hospitalised with injuries inflicted by security forces during the arrest, have been discharged and sent home.

17:18

In the Leninsky District Court of Yekaterinburg, a preventive measure of arrest for 3 days was chosen for the detainee and suspect Ahliman Ganjiyev.

Ahliman Ganjiyev’s lawyer told journalists that his client is having difficulty moving. Currently, the defence intends to seek justice, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

16:21

In the Leninsky District Court of Yekaterinburg, a preventive measure of arrest for 3 days was also chosen for the detainee and suspect Shahin Lalayev.

The court is currently considering the issue of choosing a preventive measure for Ahliman Sattar oglu Ganjiyev, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Today, Bakir Safarov will also appear before the court.

15:30

The Leninsky District Court of Yekaterinburg continues to examine the high-profile case tied to events from the early 2000s.

The fourth defendant has now been identified as Shahin Mammadali oglu Lalayev, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The court is currently considering the issue of a preventive measure against Lalayev.

Earlier, three other individuals — Ayaz, Mazahir, and Akif Safarov — were also placed under arrest for a period of 22 days each, suspected of involvement in the same case.

Ganjiyev and Lalayev were reportedly among those detained during the June 27, FSB and SOBR raids in Yekaterinburg targeting the Safarov family, who were accused of involvement in a 2001 murder of an Azerbaijani, Yunis Pashayev. Ganjiyev was hospitalised following the raid but was deemed fit by doctors to appear in court.

By Khagan Isayev