Verdict passed on those who attempted to kill deputy

The verdict was read out at the Baku Serious Crimes Court on August 13 at the trial of the attack on MP Fazil Mustafa.

The organizer of the assassination attempt, Azer Sarijanov, was sentenced to life imprisonment; the perpetrator of the assassination attempt, Sabukhi Shirinov, was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment; two more defendants– Rashad Akhmedov and Elshad Askerov, respectively, to 19 and 18 years of imprisonment, and Emin Aliyarov – to 4 years.

The defendants partially admitted their guilt, saying that they wanted to "punish" the deputy because of his statements on religious topics, and disrespectful attitude to Ashura's mourning.

As a reminder, the defendants were charged under Articles 277 (attempt on the life of a state or public figure) and 228.2.1 (illegal trafficking of weapons and ammunition by a group of persons) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.

Sarijanov, Shirinov and Akhmedov were also charged with treason. The defendants claimed that they did not intend to kill Mustafa, but wanted to "punish" him. Sabukhi Shirinov, who shot at deputy, said that if he wanted to kill Mustafa, he would have done it by making a fatal shot.

MP Fazil Mustafa himself categorically rejects the allegations that he offended the religious feelings of citizens. "At the trial, my representative suggested that the defendants and their lawyers find in my books on religion, numerous posts and publications on media and social networks at least one phrase where I would insult Muslim believers.

Yes, I am against fanaticism, superstition, ignorance, obscurantism, yes, I have said and written that all these and self-torture have nothing to do with Islam and the Prophet Muhammad," Mustafa told the Turan news agency.

He considered the punishment for Shirinov, who shot at him, to be "mild". "It's not about my personal grudge. Although I suffered serious material and moral damage, I did not file a lawsuit for financial compensation. When it comes to the interests of the state, I believe that the law should be applied to the fullest extent. It was an attack not only on me, but also against our state and its secular system," Mustafa said.

*On the evening of March 28, 2023, an unknown person shot Fazil Mustafa several times in Baku. The deputy was injured and taken to the hospital, doctors said that there was no threat to his life.

The case was investigated under Articles 277 (attempt on the life of a state or public figure) and 228.2.1 (illegal trafficking of weapons and ammunition by a group of persons) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan. According to investigators, the assassination attempt on the deputy was organized on behalf of the Iranian special services.