Mirtad Azadov, who was kidnapped from the border between the two countries and placed in Baku prison gave the first interview to the "Courier." Sheikh Asadov suspects that Azeri law enforcers arrested him at the request of the Georgian government on November 7. Sheikh, known for his critical statements to the authorities, was placed in Baku prison before the presidential election and was released after the election was over. He still does not know why he was sentenced to 20 days imprisonment. He is sure that as a result of a deal between Baku and Tbilisi, he was neutralized as an authoritative Sheikh and human rights defender.
The Sheikh says that he will talk about the details publicly later, after he has consultations with lawyers and will be sure in the safety of his family, but before that he told the Courier reports that Azeri law enforcers kept him under constant psychological pressure until they forced him to give testimony.
Asadov"s colleagues, human rights defenders think that it is an attempt to attack free, critical opinions. Mirtad Asadov is a clergyman and human rights activist who lives in Kvemo Kartli and protects the rights of ethnic and religious minorities often through the court and criticizes the government.
One of the main questions that human rights defenders have in relation to the Asadov`s case is related to his detention and release date. Asadov was arrested on November 7, before the second round of the presidential election and was released on November 29, the day after the election. The Public Defender is also waiting for the clarification of the suspicious circumstances.