Theologian Tale Bagirzade was released from jail having completed his two year jail term. In an interview with Azadliq Radiosu Bagirzade said although he is no longer behind bars inside a small jail cell, he has simply switched to a bigger one.
"Prison is small, now, I am in a bigger one. This is the reality in Azerbaijan today. So it does not matter if it was the small jail cell in Gobustan or others, because the whole population is behind bars of a bigger jail. I left Gobustan, for a bigger prison. This is how I feel right now. This is the true face of Azerbaijan" said Bagirzade.
Bagirzade said his views of Azerbaijan's current political leadership have not changed and that he will continue fighting on behalf of those who remain in jail. He specifically called for Leyla Yunus release.
Bagirzade was arrested March 31, 2013 on drug posession charges. Theologian received additional four months during his sentence under article 317.1 of the Criminal Code when prison guards discovered a mobile phone inside his cell.