03 July 2008, 11:08
Azerbaijani Baptists complain of pressure in Zagatalskiy District
Ilya Zenchenko, leader of Evangelic Baptists of Azerbaijan has condemned "the recent pressure" on the members of his community who live in the village of Aliabad of Zagatalskiy District.
Mr Zenchenko said in the today's press conference at the International Press Centre that last year pastor Zaur Balaev was arrested in this village. And last month, another representative of this community - Gamid Shabanov - was also arrested.
According to Ilya Zenchenko, for three years already the Zagatal Baptist community is hopelessly trying to get its state registration. As he said, the head of the notary's office of Zagatalskiy District refuses to certify the documents required for registration.
The police, as Mr Zenchenko continued, forbid the members of the community to hold their meetings under the motive of lack of registration.
According to Zenchenko, Shabanov's arrest was "customized". However, Baptist leader refrained to name the customer. According to his wife and lawyer Shabanov, Zenchenko said that "the weapons were planted into Shabanov's house."
So far, Shabanov is arrested for two months.
Author: Faik Medzhid, CK correspondent
