Religious leaders condemn the arrest of the theologian Sardar Baev

A meeting in defense of the rights of Sardar Babayev (Hajigasanli), a member of the Spiritual Mejlis of Azerbaijan, editor of the Maide.az website, was held in Baku in defense of the rights of the arrested in the Masalli region.

A large group of religious figures and activists took part in the meeting.

Participants of the event protested against the arrest of Babayev, calling it inconsistent with national legislation and international law, Turan was told by one of the elders of the village of Nardaran Hajiaga Nuriyev. He stressed that Babayev never opposed the statehood of Azerbaijan.

Participants in the meeting expressed bewilderment at the accusations that Babayev did not have the right to conduct sermons, as he received religious education abroad. Another participant of the meeting, Jalal Shafiyev, drew attention to the absurdity of such a restriction, since in all other spheres, those who received education abroad can work freely. "It turns out that the target is Islam," Shafiyev said.

The head of the Center for the Protection of Freedom of Religion and Conscience, Ilgar Ibrahimoglu, noted that Babayev's arrest could have far-reaching goals. "This can be a dangerous precedent and in the coming weeks and months in Azerbaijan, mass arrests of religious figures everywhere can follow," he said. Participants in the meeting called for the release of Babayev and the cessation of pressure on believers.

* Babayev was arrested on February 22 on charges under Articles 168-1.3 of the Criminal Code (violation of the requirements of religious propaganda.) According to the investigation, he violated the law by conducting religious ceremonies, although he was educated abroad.

The Defense considers this rule of law to be contrary to the European Convention and draws attention to the fact that the leaders of the Muslims of the Caucasus also received education abroad. -05B-