The Court of Appeal left the theologian under arrest

On the eve of the Shirvan Court of Appeal rejected a complaint on the extension of the arrest of Shiite theologian and member of the public association "Mejlis of Spiritual Figures" of Azerbaijan Sardar Babaev (Hajigasanli). According to the lawyer Javad Javadov, the court motivated its decision by the fact that if Sardar Babayev remains at large, he will continue "criminal activity". Such a consequence considers "the performance of religious rites," said the lawyer. Javadov also said that in connection with the consideration of  Babayev’s case in front of the Shirvan Court of Appeal security measures were increased.

The police did not let the lawyer's car pass to the court building. "Only after telephone conversations with the court and explanations that without me the court will not take place, the police let me through," Javadov said.

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.-03B-