WASHINGTON (BWA) — Zaur Balaev, a 44-year old pastor in Aliabad, Azerbaijan, was sentenced to two years in prison Aug. 8 on charges that he beat up five policemen and damaged a police car door, according to Forum 18.
Arrested May 20 during a raid on a church service at his home, Balaev was originally accused of resisting arrest and setting dogs on police officers. The congregation denied the charges, saying the pastor went peacefully. More than 50 people, including members of the congregation and non-Christian villagers, signed written statements testifying to Balaev's innocence, reported the news service Forum 18.
Prior to Balaev's trial that began on July 16, the police changed the allegations against him and accused the pastor of beating up five policeman and damaging a police car door, charges the church also denied. Ilya Zenchenko, president of the Baptist Union of Azerbaijan, asked, “How could a thin man like Zaur beat up five strong policemen?”
The Baptist Union of Azerbaijan planned to appeal.
Baptists in Aliabad are often harassed and face difficulties from government officials. Aliabad, close to the Georgian border, is populated by Georgian-speaking Muslims. Baptists are sometimes viewed by local authorities as traitors for converting to Christianity. In addition, Baptist churches in Azerbaijan are often refused legal status.
Balaev became a Christian in 1992, the first in Aliabad, news sources report. He started a church in his home within a year of his conversion. The church in Aliabad now has approximately 40 members between the ages of 20 and 35.