In Azerbaijan, Court of Appeal leaves theologian Bagirzade in custody

The theologian Talekh Bagirzade, accused of illegal drug possession, has been left in custody by the decision of the Baku Appeal Court (BAC). The consideration of the complaint of the Bagirzade's defence about application of torture to Talekh has been postponed indefinitely.

Javad Javadly, the advocate of the theologian, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that the appeal complaint against the arrest of Bagirzade was considered today with participation of the defendant.

According to the advocate, at the trial Bagirzade stated his innocence and said that the drugs had been planted into his pocket by the employees of the Sabunchi District Department of the Baku Police, who detained him. He considered the arrest of his driver, on whom, according to Bagirzade, a pistol was also planted, illegal as well.

According to Mr Javadly, the defendant has stressed that he was being persecuted for his public activities in defence of the rights of believers, criticism of restrictions on wearing hijabs, and for his sermons, in which he called for the reign of justice.

Besides, the theologian has stated at the trial that he had earlier received threats that he would be arrested again if he did not stop criticizing the authorities.

Bagirzade was arrested for participating in the protest against the ban on hijabs in schools on May 6, 2011, and sentenced to 1.5 years in prison on charges of disorderly conduct and resisting police.