OSCE Office issues statement on opposition youth activists trial in Azerbaijan

BAKU, 13 July 2006 - The OSCE Office in Baku issued the following statement today on the trial of members of the youth organization Yeni Fikir (New Thinking).

"The OSCE Office in Baku notes the judgments at the trials of the three Yeni Fikir youth organization members with concern. Notwithstanding the extreme severity of sentences which were handed down with inadequate notice and in the absence of defendants' advocates, the process leading to their arraignment and the proceedings at trial fell short of international standards in upholding the rule of law.

"The OSCE Office is deeply concerned that the process, key elements of which were held in camera, failed to achieve adequate levels of transparency, fairness or impartiality commensurate with international obligations and national laws.

"The OSCE Office urges the Government of Azerbaijan to take urgent and appropriate steps to fully ensure the rights of the individual during proceedings that are conducted in accordance with the rule of law."

The Court for Grave Crimes found the leader of the organization, Ruslan Bashirli, and his deputies Ramin Tagiyev and Said Nuri guilty under Article 278 of the Criminal Code (coup attempt). Ruslan Basirli was sentenced to seven years, Ramin Tagiyev to four years and Said Nuri to five years suspended imprisonment with a probation period of three years.

The trial of Yeni Fikir leaders started on 31 March 2006. The charges were based on a hidden videotape made in Tbilisi during Bahsirli's meeting with two people. State-controlled Azerbaijani television channels broadcast footage showing the accused discussing their allegedly illegal actions and receiving funds for organizing a coup d'etat.