European Commissioner on Human Rights, Nils Muižnieks, has denounced police violence in Azerbaijan used against youth activists Qiyas Ibrahimov and Bayram Mammadov.

In a comment given to Turan News Agency, Muižnieks wrote:

“I am very concerned by reports of the ill – treatment of two youth activists, Bayram Mammadov and Qiyas Ibrahimov, while in police custody in Baku.

The activists were arrested on the 10th of May on bogus charges of drug possession after they painted graffiti on a statue to Azerbaijan’s ex – president, Heydar Aliyev and posted photos of their act on Facebook.

Their lawyer reported seeing lesions and bleeding on their bodies, and Bayram Mammadov wrote a detailed account of the ill – treatment he received.

I urge the authorities to ensure a full and effective investigation into these allegations of ill – treatment.”

EAN