Theologian Thale Bagirzade is placed in the punishment cell

 A  theologian Thale Bagirzade, who is in the jail in Kurdakhani,  is  subjected to physical pressure and was put  to the punishment cell, members of the Committee to Protect Rights of Bagirzade told at the press conference. 

According to the lawyer  Cavad Cavadli,  on May 28 Bagirzade was placed in a punishment cell because he had sent  appeals to  western states to be objective in assessing the situation in Azerbaijan, and do not be afraid of  believers. 

Bagirzade’s hands were tied, then he was brought to the office of the  head of the prison, who hit a theologian on his head and threatened to shoot him.

Cavadli expressed concern that new charges of anti-state calls will be made against  Bagirzade. Thus, the investigation sent for examination  the materials of  sermons  by Bagirzade exposed to the Internet.

However, according to the lawyer,  there is nothing illegal in them, and contains only criticism.

Another member  of the Committee, Natiq Karimov, noted the need for systematic efforts to release Bagirzade. He  said that the appeals are being prepared  to the Ombudswoman, the Attorney General and international organizations.

Karimov also noted the need to collect signatures in support of Bagirzade online.

The committee's secretary,  the lawyer Namizad Safarov said that the Baku Mayor Office did not respond to the request to hold a rally in support of Bagirzade  in the yard  of a driving schools in village of  Bibiheybat. In order not to cause confrontation,  the protest  was postponed.

He called Bagirzade a "prisoner of conscience". According to him, the authorities believe that the believer should only pray, and if he is against injustice, it means  that he is a revolutionary.

Cavadli’s lawyer said  he will complain to court due to the physical pressure on Bagirzade in jail.—16C06-