Jailed Azerbaijani Academician Released

Eldar Salaev (file photo) (official site) Baku, 17 November 2005 -- A prominent Azerbaijani academician arrested on charges of involvement in an alleged opposition coup plot has been released from prison, RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service reported.

Eldar Salaev, a former president of the Azerbaijani Academy of Sciences, was arrested on 29 October and was held at the National Security Ministry.

His son, Elman, told RFE/RL by phone that the 72-year-old academician was released for health reasons but said he remains "under police control".

"Following the prosecutor-general's request, the Nasimi district court [in Baku] reclassified the arrest as a preventative measure," Elman Salaev said. "Eldar [Salayev] remains under police control. It means that he is free to do anything in Baku. He may travel anywhere within the republic [of Azerbaijan] if he gives advance notification. If he wants to travel abroad, perhaps in connection with his health, he can to do it by reaching an agreement [with the authorities]."

His son said the charges against Eldar Salaev have not been dropped.

(with material from turan.az/regnum.ru)