Azerbaijani arrested for evading the draft due to his religious belief

As APA reports, that was told by Eldar Zeynalov, Head of Human Rights Protection Center.

He said that though Mushfig Mammadov graduated from higher school in July last year he refused to join the Army. Basing on his religious belief he wanted to be of alternative military service.

Mammadov was imprisoned over evading the draft under the Sabayil district court's decision made on April 29. His appeal against the decision was rejected.

Eldar Zeynalov thinks that Mammadov's imprisonment is politically motivated.

"Human rights defenders are often judged as if they present exaggerated number of political prisoners in the country. However, it is not like that. Mushfig Mammadov does not want to serve in the military for his religious faith. I think his imprisonment is contrary to the freedom of religious belief," the rights defender said.

Head of the State Committee for Religious Organizations Rafig Aliyev told journalists that registered religious communities, including the "Jehovah's Witnesses" religious community does not pose any threat to Azerbaijan's statehood. However, the committee chairman noted that the community members are involved in illegal activity, "They are spreading prohibited books".

Azerbaijan has not passed a decision on alternative military service.