17:28, 30 September 2013

In Azerbaijan, the case of theologian Bagirzade sent to court

Azerbaijan has completed a preliminary investigation into the case of theologian Talekh Bagirzade, accused of illegal possession of drugs. The case was sent to the court. The defendant remains in custody, despite the expiration on September 30 of the term of his arrest, said his advocate Jawad Javadly.

The advocate told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that his client is charged under Article 234.1 (illegal purchase or possession of drugs without intent to sell them in the amount in excess of that needed for personal consumption) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.

"The investigators' attempts to find 'criminality' in his sermons were in vain. The religious-linguistic examination, carried out by employees of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, revealed no statements that could become a subject of investigation. I think that the fact that Talekh Bagirzade saw no new charges is a result of the important role of mass media and the public, who are paying constant attention to the case. We believe that the charge on drugs was also groundless; and we'll prove it in the court," said Javadly.

Author: Faik Medzhid

Source: CK correspondent