Theologian Talekh Bagirzade claims being beaten by police in Azerbaijan

In Azerbaijan, Shiite theologian Talekh Bagirzade, the leader of the public organization "Muslim Unity", has claimed that he was beaten at the police building. He has announced his intention to file a complaint against policemen.

The incident took place on November 3. Talekh Bagirzade arrived in the Yasamal Division of the Baku Police for questioning concerning the operational information about gathering people for participation in a kind of march. He has explained the policemen that he was contacted by believers, who offered to visit the grave of national hero Mubariz Ibragimov, and that he was going to do that, the "Echo of Caucasus" reports.

According to the theologian, when the time of prayer came, he asked to let him go; however, he was not allowed to leave the police station. Therefore, he began to pray at the place. Talekh Bagirzade has claimed that he was beaten in response to his actions, and as a result, his face was injured. The theologian has announced his intention to file a complaint against the policemen, and his interests will be protected by advocate Djavad Djavadov, the "Contact.az" reports.

Let us remind you that in November 2013, Talekh Bagirzade was sentenced to two years of imprisonment on charges of possession and sale of drugs. In August 2014, he was accused of possession of prohibited items at SIZO (pre-trial prison), and his sentence was extended by four months.

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