Rapper Aydin Huseynov has been detained and sentenced to 30-day administrative detention by the Sumgayit City Court over charges of “encouraging drug use" in his lyrics.
In a statement by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Huseynov was reportedly arrested for alleged drug possession and trafficking. The statement did not mention his songs.
The song is about love. Of course, an image of dependence has been animated in the song. I compared love to drugs, and myself to a drug addict to show how love is as addictive as drugs.
“1.21 gr. marijuana was found on Huseynov. He also acknowledged he is a drug user”, the ministry statement reads.
Huseynov, also known as Ruzgar, claims in his statement issued on April 12 that his arrest is associated with his track. He denies the song “promoted drug use".
“But the song is about love. Of course, an image of dependence has been animated in the song. I compared love to drugs, and myself to a drug addict to show how love is as addictive as drugs," Huseynov said in his statement.
Calling for his fans for support, Huseynov urged his listeners to use the slogan "Music cannot be imprisoned".
“Do it not for me but for the new Azerbaijani music scene. Today I am jailed, tomorrow they will be knocking on your door, too", the rapper stated.
On the third day of his arrest, Huseynov suspiciously made a second announcement, saying he has "no objection to the court decision".
“Thank you for all your support. See you soon in 27 days," the statement reads.
Huseynov’s arrest comes days after Vugar Abdullayev, also known as Vugar Sada, was detained over the same charges of “publicly promoting drug use”. He was also sentenced to 30 days of administrative arrest.