Azer Gasimli
Opposition politician banned from leaving the country
The head of the Political Management Institute in Azerbaijan, independent politician Azer Gasimli, has been banned from leaving the country. On November 22, Azer Gasimli was informed at the Baku International Airport that he was prohibited from leaving the country.[1]
He had planned to travel to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, on November 22, and from there to Berlin. At the passport control at Baku International Airport, he was informed that the Ministry of Internal Affairs had imposed a ban on his departure from the country.
“I believe that this ban is a political decision and is pressure against me for criticizing the government’s policies. This ban is illegal and can only be imposed based on slander,” he told the local media.
On November 25, Azer Gasimli was summoned to the Baku City Main Police Department, where he was interrogated as a witness. He was released after three and a half hours.
Azer Gasimli stated that he was questioned as a witness in a criminal case and did not disclose which case it was, as he had signed a written confidentiality agreement.
He also mentioned that he was asked many questions during the investigation regarding the activities of the Political Management Institute he leads.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has not yet provided an explanation regarding the reasons for Azer Gasimli’s ban on leaving the country.
[1] https://turan.az/en/politics/azer-gasymly-summoned-to-capitals-police-station-787411
Follow the link to read the statement in more detail.
