14:03, 14 October 2013

Azerbaijan: court denies motion for release of theologian Talekh Bagirzade

Today, the Sabunchi District Court of Baku has held a preliminary hearing on the case of the theologian Talekh Bagirzade, accused of illegal possession of drugs. During the session, the defence asked to change Bagirzade's freedom restriction measure from detention to home arrest. However, the court denied the petition.

"During the preliminary session, which was chaired by Judge Samir Aliev, I asked the court to treat the defendant's detention since September 30 as illegal," Javad Javadly, Bagirzade's advocate, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

According to his story, he also asked the court to change Bagirzade's custody for home arrest, adding that there are no grounds for keeping him behind bars. "The investigative actions have been completed," said the lawyer.

The judge dismissed the advocate's motion and appointed to start of considering the case on the merits for October 28.

Mr Javadly said that "the criminal case was fabricated and investigators' evidence was falsified." He plans to present more detail in the course of judicial proceedings.

Author: Faik Medzhid

Source: CK correspondent