Azeri pastor Zaur Balaev, who was released on March 19 after being imprisoned for nearly a year in prison on accusations of holding "illegal meetings under the guise of religious activities" (click here for more details), is facing new threats from authorities, according to a June 12 report from Forum 18. In late May, Balaev was summoned to the office of a local police chief where three officers present made statements including, "'Haven't you learned from your imprisonment?" and "Wasn't one prison term enough for you?'" Balaev also said that one officer told him, in a clear threat, "You may not be afraid, but you've forgotten you've got a wife, daughter and a son." Although the officers were not violent to him, Balaev described them as "very crude." Balaev's church is reportedly under close watch by authorities. The police have banned the church from holding church services but the congregation has refused to stop meeting together for worship.
For more information regarding Pastor Zaur Balaev or other Christians facing persecution in this country, read Azerbaijan's Country Report.
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