The reason behind the attempt of a 25-member Azerbaijani citizens’ group to cross into the Armenian side was the red tape, contact.az reports.

The incident occurred in the morning of February 27 in Mirbaşirli village of Ağdam District: 25 citizens of Azerbaijan’s Qabala District headed for the Armenian side with white flags.

They were detained by militaries and brought to police. The authorities do not yet comment on the reasons of such a protest.

The representatives of Qabala District executive body confirmed the fact of the incident to local Turan agency, noting that official information will be provided after the law enforcement authorities complete the investigation.

One of the participants of the protest, Ramin İsmayılov, told the press that the reason was the illegal actions and persecutions on part of the representative of the executive authority, Ikram Nabiyev’s.

“Abusing their positions, Nabiyev and his various relatives, persecute our children and put them in prison. The Nabiyevs have strong ties with the law enforcement authorities: All those unwanted in Kötüklü  village are arrested on fabricated accusations over keeping drugs. This already lasts for several years, we went for this step because of despair,” Ismaylov said.

Another participant, Akif İsmayılov , said he protests against the unjust decisions of Qabala district court.

“My son Serhan witnessed a small fight, but the investigation involved him as an accused. Complaining to different instances proved useless. My son was sentenced to a year in prison,” İsmayılov said.  

Commenting on the incident, Eshan Zahidov, deputy Spokesperson of the Press Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan, earlier informed that 25 residents of Qabala district arrived at Ağdam District and demanded to set free their imprisoned relative. otherwise they threatened to cross into the Armenian side.

They were detained and taken to police, where evidence was taken from them.  Latrer they were sent back to Qabala.

The investigation is underway. The legal assessment over the incident will be provided, Zahidov said.