Defence of theologian Talekh Bagirzade refused of re-trial

The defence of Talekh Bagirzade, an Azerbaijani theologian, has filed a motion to consider the complaint about his transfer to a closed prison and to conduct the re-trial; however, the Court of Appeal has dismissed the defence motion.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in November 2013, Shiite theologian Talekh Bagirzade was sentenced to two years of imprisonment on charge of possession and sale of drugs. In August 2014, Talekh Bagirzade was accused of possessing prohibited items at the SIZO (pre-trial prison), and his sentence was extended by four months.

On April 10, the Baku Court of Appeal (BCA) held a preliminary court session on the consideration of the complaint about tightening of conditions of detention of Talekh Bagirzade and his transfer to the Gobustan closed prison in December 2014. According to advocate Djavad Djavadov, that was a flagrant violation of the law, since the court's decision had not come into force.

According to the defence, the administration of the penal colony failed to prove that Talekh Bagirzade had violated internal rules.

Talekh Bagirzade is included in the list of persons recognized by Azerbaijani human rights defenders as political prisoners. The prosecution of Talekh Bagirzade was condemned by the Islamic Party of Azerbaijan and the human rights organization "Centre for the protection of freedom of conscience and religion".

Mirgasym Aliev, a public defender of the theologian, sees the true reason for the punishment of Talekh Bagirzade in the administration's desire to isolate him from other prisoners.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.