Advocate of Talekh Bagirzade claims his client being tortured

In Azerbaijan, Djavad Djavadov, an advocate of Talekh Bagirzade, the detained leader of the movement "Muslim Unity", has informed the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that on December 29, he was invited to visit the Chief Department for Combating Organized Crime of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA).

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on November 26, Shiite theologian Talekh Bagirzade was detained in the village of Nardaran together with other activists of the movement "Muslim Unity". The detentions were accompanied by clashes between believers and law enforcers. As a result of the clashes, seven persons, including two policemen, were killed.

"Although I had no chance to talk with Talekh Bagirzade in private, we had a brief conversation. He was subjected to severe torture, and his nose was broken. Talekh Bagirzade told me that they tried to force him to make a confession and defame other persons. However, he pleaded not guilty and did not give any false testimony against anyone," the advocate told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"In accordance with the procedure of judicial supervision, we have filed a complaint about the violation of Talekh Bagirzade's rights and the use of torture against him. The court hearing was to be held at the Nasimi District Court on January 6; however, the trial was postponed till January 14. During the court hearing, we will request a forensic medical examination in order to investigate the facts of torture," Djavad Djavadov has said.

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