Faraj Guliyev’s Actions Have Signs of Crime: Experts

Baku / 03.02.20 / Turan: Faraj Guliyev, the candidate for deputy in the 31st Surahan second district, the head of the National Revival Movement party, confirmed the meeting with his rival blogger Mehman Huseynov and his proposal to withdraw the candidacy from the election. However, he did not offer money as a bribe, but as help for treatment.

Guliyev confirmed to the Azerbaijani Voice of America service that he really offered Huseynov to withdraw his candidacy and be his confidant and be represented in a youth organization.

During the conversation, the blogger complained about health problems and a “swelling” on his leg. Therefore, Guliyev offered him money for treatment.

Guliyev added that the conversation lasted 45 minutes, and Huseynov published a 5-6 minute edited record.

Azerbaijan’s CEC has not yet commented on the release of the audio recording.

Commenting on this fact, experts believe that this fact should be investigated by law enforcement agencies in connection with a sign of a criminal offense.

According to the Electoral Code, interference with the participation of a candidate for deputy in the election, pressure on him, or bribing him with any offers is prohibited. This opinion was expressed by the head of the Institute for Democratic Initiatives, a former member of the CEC, Akif Gurbanov.

In his opinion, in this case, Huseynov should appeal to the District Electoral Commission (DEC), which, taking into account the possible corpus delicti, should send materials to the prosecutor's office. The offer of help for treatment, if it is linked to some requirement, is not valid. Therefore, there is reason to liquidate the registration of candidate Faraj Guliyev.

“In a normal society, the candidate would immediately resign. Unfortunately, this practice has not been established in Azerbaijani society,” Gurbanov said.

Another expert in the field of law, Alesker Mammadli, sees in this case the signs of a crime under Art. 312-1.2 of the Criminal Code.

It provides for liability measures for the provision of material and other benefits, or privileges with a view to exerting unlawful influence on the decision. Mammadli noted that according to Art.308.2, a candidate for deputy belongs to the category of “official”.

Mammadli believes that the released audio recording is the basis for the investigation of the prosecutor's office. Mammadli also believes that the CEC should cancel the registration of Guliyev, since he himself does not deny the fact of the meeting and the offer of money to the opponent.  –06D-