WASHINGTON — Zaur Balaev, the Baptist pastor from Azerbaijan who was sentenced to two years in prison Aug. 8, has been released. Balaev was freed from prison on March 19.
Balaev was convicted and sent to prison on charges that he beat up five policemen and damaged a police car door. Arrested on May 20, 2007, 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 of the church denied these 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.
The Baptist World Alliance and the European Baptist Federation brought the matter to the attention of Baptists around the world, and made direct appeals to the Azerbaijani government.
Both the BWA and the EBF took up the cause of Balaev and made direct appeals to government officials and on his behalf to protest his innocence.