Shiite theologian Ilgar Ibragimoglu released after questioning in Azerbaijan

The State Security Service of Azerbaijan released after a questioning Shiite theologian Khadji Ilgar Ibragimoglu, the head of the website “deyerler.org”.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on October 19, law enforcers detained Khadji Ilgar Ibragimoglu after searches in his house. Human rights defenders associate the law enforcers’ interest in the Shiite theologian’s activities with the beginning of a wave of repressions against religious figures amid aggravation of relations between Azerbaijan and Iran.

Khadji Ilgar Ibragimoglu reported on his Facebook page that he was questioned as a witness and that he was treated “politely.” The Shiite theologian also added that he would not have access to a mobile phone for several days for “technical reasons.” So, he asked people not to contact him by phone and through social media.

Let us remind you that in December 2012, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) recognized violations of the Khadji Ilgar Ibragimoglu’s rights in a case on the riots in the 2003 presidential election. On October 16, 2003, Khadji Ilgar Ibragimoglu conducted monitoring as a member of a group of international observers on the Azadlig square in Baku. Later, he was accused of “organizing or participating in mass riots” and “using violence against officials.”

Khadji Ilgar Ibragimoglu was kept in custody for four months, and then a court sentenced him to five years of conditional sentence.