European Baptists Protest Conviction of Pastor In Azerbaijan

Ekklesia reports today that Baptists around Europe are renewing their efforts to obtain the release of Baptist Pastor Zaur Balaev who was sentenced to two years in prison by a court in Azerbaijan. Earlier this month, an appeals court rejected Balaev's appeal of his sentence. Forum 18 reported that the conviction stems from a raid by police last May on an "illegal religious service" by Balaev's unregistered congregation. Over the years, authorities have repeatedly refused applications for registration by the congregation in Aliabad in far north-west Azerbaijan. Police say that when they raided the service, Balaev attacked them. Balaev was charged under Article 315, Part 1 of the Criminal Code, which prohibits the application or threat of violence to a state representative carrying out official duties. Balaev now plans to appeal to Azerbaijan's Supreme Court, and will take his case to the European Court of Human rights if necessary.