Baku / 03.07.17 / Turan: A verdict was delivered to the theologian Sardar Babayev in the Masalli district court today. The court sentenced him to three years imprisonment, having found him guilty under Article 168-1.3 of the Criminal Code (violation of the requirements of religious propaganda) of the Criminal Code. The lawyer Javad Javadov wrote on Facebook about this, reporting that the prosecutor asked the court to sentence the theologian to 4 years in prison.
The prosecution believes that Babayev violated the law by conducting religious ceremonies in the mosque, being a graduate of a foreign religious institution. Allegedly he was warned repeatedly, but he ignored the warnings.
The defense focuses on the fact that at the time Babayev received religious education abroad there was not such a restrictive rule in legislation.
Babayev graduated from the university in 2000, while the restrictive norm was introduced into law only in 2015 and the law does not have retroactive effect.
In addition, most religious figures of the Caucasus Muslims Office also have a religious higher education.
Observers believe Babayev was arrested for an independent position and touching on painful public problems in his sermons.
Javadov's lawyer did not agree with the verdict and said that the defense will continue legal measures to restore Babayev's rights.
Recall that 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 rites, although he received education 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 Caucasus Muslims Office also received their education abroad. -03B-
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