Charges Against Azerbaijani Blogger Mehman Huseynov Dropped

The new charges against Azerbaijani blogger Mehman Huseynov, who has been on hunger strike since 26 December, have been dropped.

Faud Aleskerov, the assistant to Azerbaijani President, confirmed the government's decision on Monday evening, urging those still on hunger strike to stop. In his statement, Aleskerov says the government is taking Huseynov’s young age, family situation, and elderly father into consideration.

The move comes following protests in Baku on 19 January. Thousands of people attended the biggest protest in Azerbaijan in years to call for the release of Mehman Huseynov.

Mehman Huseynov is a blogger who was critical of the government and published YouTube videos highlighting government corruption. Shortly before his 2-year sentence was due to finish, officials brought new charges against him for assaulting a police officer. Many believe these charges to be false.

As the charges have now been dropped, Mehman Huseynov is expected to be released from prison in March.

by Amy Jones 
Photo source: Front Line Defenders