The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has rejected the criticism of the US Embassy over the sentence of activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev to 10 years imprisonment.
‘The court's lawful judgement against Bakhtiyar Hajiyev is based on numerous evidence in the case, and external interference in judicial procedures is unacceptable. It is interesting that while the United States has multiple and severe penalties for the same type of tax fraud and financial crime, which can reach up to 30 years of imprisonment, why is this country disappointed with the penalties for similar offences in other countries? It seems that such an approach is based on political interests rather than elevating the importance of the rule of law,’ Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman Ayhan Hajizadeh wrote in social network X.
It ought to be noted that international organisations have stated that the charges are fabricated and unproven and the trial in the case of Bakhtiyar Hajiyev is unfair.
Observers also point to a surprising paradox in the judicial system of Azerbaijan, where officials accused of embezzlement of hundreds of millions of manats are not arrested and receive suspended sentences, while journalists and activists exposing them are thrown into prison.
Politics
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A candidate in the municipal elections for the 23rd Nasimi-Sabail electoral district, activist Djamila Alisheva, has reported administrative barriers in conducting her campaign. She claims that the district election commission is refusing to provide the necessary forms for her authorized representatives.
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On January 15, the Tbilisi Court of Appeals rejected the appeal of Afghan Sadigov, the founder of the Azel TV website, who had protested his extradition to Azerbaijan. Sadigov’s wife, Sevinj Sadigova, stated that this was the final judicial instance in Georgia making a decision on the case, Turan reported. On the other hand, lawyer Mariam Kvelashvili informed Turan that the defense would continue legal steps to prevent the extradition of Afghan Sadigov. According to his wife, Afghan has been on hunger strike for 117 days, and his health is critical.
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Jamil Hajiyev, a member of the National Council of Democratic Forces, has reported continued pressure from the police. On January 10, during the trial of opposition figure Tofig Yagublu at the Baku Serious Crimes Court, Hajiyev unfurled a banner reading "Freedom for Political Prisoners!"
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On January 15, the Yasamal District Court rejected the motion to change the detention measure for Azer Gasymly, the director of the Institute of Political Management, his lawyer, Agyl Laidj, to Turan. "Azer Gasymly stated during the trial that the charges against him were fabricated and related to his socio-political activities," the lawyer said. An appeal will be filed against the court's decision.
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