On the evening of June 7, a 20-year-old girl reported to have been beaten by family members in Baku’s Sabail district. According to social worker and feminist activist Sanubar Heydarova, who publicized the issue, the young girl, not agreeing to a forced marriage, ran from home, and later her family members found her in the street and beat her. Heydarova told Mikroskop Media that the girl’s left eye and arms were bruised, and there were scratches on her face.
The activist emphasized the negligence of the police to the reported abuse. She said that though the incident happened in territory which the №9 police station is responsible for, the case was first directed to №8 and then to №41 stations.
We learned the address of the girl, which is in Bayil settlement, from her friends and informed the police. We were told that the officers were sent to the address but did not find anyone in the apartment. Despite having two active mobile phone numbers, 3 police departments could not find the victim. Earlier, the information was shared with the 41th, 8th and 9th stations in Sabail district. The police officer said that they did not coordinate with the above-mentioned 3 units, so I should have called the 102 service and asked them to refer the matter to the Mehdiabad police department.
Sanubar Heydarova
According to the activist, since the officers were indifferent to the issue, she had to call the Mehdiabad police department herself. And from there she was told that it was a family matter, and they should not intervene.
I called the department, I was told that I could not care about the girl more than her family, and that she was in her family’s custody. When I reminded them that the incident was violence against a citizen, they said that once an appeal was received, they will do what is necessary. I reminded them of the word “citizen”. Until then they were talking about concepts such as family, mother, aunt, etc.
Heydarova
Heydarova added that the girl, who was subjected to mistreatment, was finally taken to to a woman shelter on June 8.
We contacted the spokesperson of the Interior Ministry Elshad Hajiyev about the case. He said that the allegations of violence and police indifference were being investigated.
All the details of the incident are being investigated and taken under control. All allegations will be investigated. Negligence in police stations is also being investigated. In all cases, the police are fulfilling their responsibilities to protect the rights of young girls and family members.
Elshad Hajiyev
Hajiyev added that the girl was under protection and guaranteed safety.
