In December 2004, Gagik Mirzoyan, a Baptist Christian, was called to serve in the army of the unrecognized Azerbaijani breakaway republic of Nagorno-Karabakh. According to Forum 18, he refused to bear arms or swear the military oath because of his beliefs. Most Baptists in the former Soviet Union are pacifistic in doctrine. After reportedly being beaten, the army eventually agreed to transfer him to a non-combat role.
On April 14, family members told Forum 18 that Mirzoyan had been beaten and put in detention for ten days as punishment for sharing his faith with other soldiers and possessing various Christian calendars.
On April 11, relatives attempted to visit Mirzoyan. They reported that the "results of beatings" were visible on his face. Military personnel told the visitors that Mirzoyan would be freed the next day. However, the next day, he remained under detention and was threatened with two years in prison. He has since been transferred to an unknown location.
Pray for safety and endurance in the face of persecution. Pray for his family, as they deal with their uncertainties and fears.
For more information on Azerbaijan and the difficulties facing Christians there, click here.
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