Communicated on 8 June 2020 Published on 29 June 2020

FIFTH SECTION

Application no. 26372/17 Ravan Hakim oglu SABZALIYEV against Azerbaijan lodged on 17 March 2017

SUBJECT MATTER OF THE CASE

The applicant, who was sentenced to ten months and thirteen days of imprisonment under Article 168.2 of the Criminal Code (Violation of the citizens ’ rights under pretence of performing religious rites) for teaching the religious writings of Said Nursi to minors at his premises, complains that this sentencing amounted to an unlawful interference with his right to freedom of religion.

QUESTIONS TO THE PARTIES

Has there been an interference with the applicant ’ s freedom of religion within the meaning of Article 9 § 1 of the Convention? If so, was that interference prescribed by law and necessary in terms of Article 9 § 2 of the Convention?