On 27 March, Masalli Regional Court extended the pre-trial detention period of Sardar Babayev, a member of the Assembly of Azerbaijani Clergy and the editor-in-chief of maide.az website, for another month, lawyer Javad Javadov has said.
The theologian’s period of arrest was prolonged until 30 April, at a closed hearing.
Background: Sardar Babayev was ordered detained on 22 February 2017. He is charged under Article 168-1.3 (violation of the requirements of conducting religious advocacy, religious rites and ceremonies) of the Criminal Code. He is accused of carrying out a religious rite in Masalli mosque despite having studied abroad.
On 16 March, Shirvan Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal filed against Masalli Regional Court’s decision on the pre-trial detention of the theologian.