Who will be responsible for the fire in the Perinatal Center, which killed four babies?– Xalid Bağırov saat 16:00-da Çətin sualda

Baku/11.01.24/Turan: Following the devastating fire at the Republican Perinatal Center on January 9, criminal charges have been brought against three officials responsible for the management of the medical institution. The Prosecutor General's Office opened a criminal case, citing violations of fire safety rules that resulted in the loss of lives and significant material damage.

The officials implicated in the investigation are the center's director, Mehriban Abaskuliyeva, the director of the Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care, and Intensive Care, Hamlet Mustafayev, and the director of the Department of auxiliary services, Elnur Akhmedli. All three are suspected of improperly organizing work to comply with fire safety rules, leading to the tragic incident.

The report highlights several irregularities, including the improper use of medical equipment, inoperable fire alarm devices, and overloading of the power line, ultimately resulting in the death of four newborns and substantial damage to the institution.

Charges have been brought against Hamlet Mustafayev and Elnur Akhmedli under Article 225.3, while Mehriban Abaskuliyeva faces charges under Article 314.3 of the Criminal Code. The court's decision has led to the imposition of house arrest as a preventive measure for all three accused.

However, questions linger about the broader responsibility for the tragic incident and the conditions at the Perinatal Center. Lawyer Khalid Bagirov addresses these concerns in the "Difficult Question" program, shedding light on the crisis of governance in Azerbaijan.

Bagirov argues that if the Perinatal Center is a state organization, then the state itself should be held accountable for the unfortunate events within it. He contends that this crisis of governance is not a new phenomenon for Azerbaijan, dating back to its independence, and asserts that those claiming the right to govern the nation bear responsibility.

According to the legal expert, accountability should extend beyond legal consequences, encompassing administrative and disciplinary measures. Bagirov even raises the prospect of moral responsibility, emphasizing that the lack of defined criteria for accountability is linked to the prevailing management system.

In the face of such a tragic loss of life, Bagirov advocates for a system where ministers, at the very least, apologize and resign in more developed countries. He emphasizes that such actions are indicative of a minister's moral responsibility, a measure that should be embraced to foster accountability.

The lawyer concludes by pinpointing the core issue as the management system, advocating for a reevaluation of the current system to prevent future crises and ensure the safety and well-being of citizens. As the investigation unfolds, there is a growing call for a comprehensive examination of the governance structure and accountability mechanisms in place at the Perinatal Center and beyond.