Additional Name(s): Elshan Mustafaoglu Mustafayev

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Azerbaijan

Religion or Belief: Muslim – Shi'a

Reports of Torture: Yes

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Sentence: 10 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: December/17/2014

Date of Sentencing: December/30/2016

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: Yes

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Religious Expression Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role

Nature of Charges: Treason & Sedition

Elshan Mustafaoglu

Extra Bio Info:

Elshan Mustafaoglu was imprisoned for his religious expression and activism.

On December 17, 2014, authorities arrested Mustafaoglu, a Muslim scholar and former department head at the Caucasian Muslim Board, and charged with treason (Art. 274 ACC) after accusing him of spying for Iran.  Mustafaoglu was reportedly targeted for encouraging approaches to Islam outside the state's control.  Mustafaoglu was a co-founder of the Initiative Group for the Support of the Human Rights of Religious Citizens and the founder of the Appeal to Moral Purity organization.

Mustafaoglu alleged at trial that he had been tortured during the investigation.

On December 30, 2016, the Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced Mustafaoglu to 10 years in prison following a closed trial.

On June 23, 2022, Mustafaoglu was released from prison after his sentence was commuted. 

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