27 June 2013, 17:50
Azerbaijan extends custody of theologian Bagirzade by a month
On June 27, the court has extended till August 1 the custody of Talekh Bagirzade, a theologian, said his lawyer Javad Javadly. The defender finds the decision unjustified and intends to appeal against it at the appellate.
Bagirzade, known for his sermons, in which he criticized the Azerbaijani authorities, was detained on March 31. He is charged with drug possession and refuses to plead guilty.
Investigators have motivated the extension of his custody by "the need to obtain the results of the linguistic examination" of Bagirzade's public statements for the subject of "anti-state calls," Javad Javadly told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.
He added that the drug testing had failed to reveal any Bagirzade's drug dependence.
"It was clear from the beginning that this charge will collapse. Therefore, investigators are now seeking any other ground to convict Talekh Bagirzade," said Javadly.
During the court session, about 30 believers held an action in support of Bagirzade. They gathered in front of the court, holding posters reading: "I'm with Talekh, arrest me too!" and "Talekh Bagirzade is political prisoner!"
Author: Faik Medzhid Source: CK correspondent
