IHRC is deeply concerned over reports that Sheikh Taleh Bagirov has been missing since 1pm (in Azerbaijan) 31 March.  The regime of Ilham Aliyev had already imprisoned Bagirov for 18 months for his part in demonstrations against the ban on hijab in public schools.  He was released late last year.  

Bagirov is seen as a key opposition figure to the Aliyev regime.

IHRC is calling on the international community, in particular the OSCE to intervene in this case and on the issue of human rights in Azerbaijan.

For more information please call (+44) 20 8904 4222, or via email at media@ihrc.org. Alternatively, you can call (+44) 7958522196.[ENDS]

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IHRC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

Islamic Human Rights Commission

PO Box 598

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HA9 7XH

United Kingdom

Telephone (+44) 20 8904 4222

Fax (+44) 20 8904 5183

Email: info@ihrc.org

Web: www.ihrc.org