Thale Bagirzadeh: I Left Small Prison and Got into Big One

The theologian Thale Bagirzadeh was released from the Gobustan prison this night in connection with the termination of his sentence.

Commenting on his release for Radio Azadlig, Bagirzadeh said, "Arrest for us is a gift from God. In conclusion, our views are even more strengthened. If, before the arrest, I thought that oppression in society is about 30 percent, after the arrest the percentage of oppression has reached 70 percent.

Thus, coming out of a small jail, I got into a big prison. With regard to human rights activists, in particular Leyla Yunus, she has done a lot, especially for the Islamists. This is a woman of democratic views. I wish she was quickly released," he said, noting that he would not give up the fight for freedom and rule of law in Azerbaijan.

Thale Bagirzadeh was arrested on March 31, 2013 on charges of drug possession. He was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment.

As the date of completion of the punishment approached, he was added another 4 months in prison, charged with possession of prohibited items (a mobile phone was discovered in his cell).

Thus, Bagirzadeh spent two and a half years in jail. -21 / 04B-