22 November 2006, 22:48
Iran plans to make short work of Azerbaijani journalist who offended Mohammed
On November 21 in the Iranian city of Tabriz, students of religious schools held a protest action against the statements concerning Prophet Mohammed, published in Azerbaijani newspaper "Sanat," in publicist Rafik Tagi's article named "Europe and We." According to Iranian TV, Ayatollah Mokhsun Mudzhtakhid Shabiristani delivered a speech to the students and called to punish those who had offended Mohammed. The Ayatollah declared that what the newspaper had published was a reaction of enemies to Moslems' achievements all over the world. In conclusion of his sermon he again appealed to kill publicist Rafik Tagi.
Meanwhile, nobody from among Azerbaijani lawyers is going to defend Rafic Tagi's interests. We remind you that the Office of Prosecutor-General of Azerbaijan initiated a criminal case in relation to Samir Sadat Oglu, editor of the "Sanat" newspaper, and Rafik Tagi, publicist, under Article 283 of the Criminal Code (kindling of interethnic, inter-religious, interracial, and social enmity). Both journalists were arrested, and the investigation continues.