Eight Islamists Arrested for 10-30 Days (UPDATED)

The Sabunchu district court in Baku sanctioned 30 days of administrative arrest for the deputy chairman of the Muslims Unity Movement Elchin Gasimov, the lawyer Javad Javadov told Turan. According to the lawyer, the arrest was authorized on the basis of Article 310 of the Code of Administrative Offences (resistance to police). The lawyer also noted that the detainees (Gasimov and others) were sentenced to various terms of administrative arrest. The decisions were made in secret, without a lawyer. His client was not given permission for a confidential meeting with his lawyer. "I saw Elchin just outside the police, and he was in handcuffs. They did not permit our meeting face to face and took him away, accompanied by police officers," said the lawyer. He said he would appeal against the decision. Late last night the faithful gathered in front of the Police Department of the Sabunchu district in the settlement Bakikhanov, protesting against the detention of Gasimov. The participants demanded his liberation. They ignored the requirement to move away from the police administration building. The result was a confrontation between police and believers. Several policemen suffered, and several believers were detained. -16d04-

2015 November 06 (Thursday) 10:09:32

Late in the evening of November 5 in the settlement Mashtaga police detained the deputy chairman of the association Muslim Unity Elchin Gasimli and delivered him to the Sabunchu district police.

The faithful activists of the public association outraged by this gathered in front of the police. This led to confrontation and the rapid reaction police force was sent to the scene. During the clashes up to 20 religious activists were detained. The roads to the building were blocked by police.

The leader of this association, theologian Taleh Bagirzadeh strongly condemned the incident, threatening that if they violated the rights of Elchin Gasimli, those responsible for this would answer for their actions. "We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Elchin Gasimli. It is better to die with honor than to live under oppression and humiliation!" said Bagirzadeh.

Late in the evening the police chief of Baku Mirgafar Seyidov arrived at the place.

An official response to the incident or comment on this matter has not yet been received.

Recall that the previous day Taleh Bagirzadeh was severely beaten in the Yasamal District Police. He was accused of carrying out a march to the Alley of Martyrs and demanded to refuse of the idea. -03D-