Brought from Turkey and arrested...

Following developments related to the detained leader of the Democracy and Welfare Party (ADR), Gubad Ibadoglu, another individual, economist Fazil Gasimov, was apprehended in Turkey and subsequently returned to Azerbaijan.

Ibadoglu, the ADR chairman, is facing charges under Article 204.3.1 of the Criminal Code, pertaining to the creation, acquisition, or sale of counterfeit money or securities by an organized group. Curiously, Gasimov appears to be charged under the same article.

This incident echoes prior cases involving Turkish detentions of journalists and opposition figures, subsequently handed over to Azerbaijan. Notable among them were journalist Rauf Mirgadirov and former deputy Huseyn Abdullayev.

Javad Javadov, a lawyer,remarked in an interview with Radio Azadlig that such instances involving Turkey are not new. He acknowledged not having details on Gasimov's arrest but pointed out that as a Turkey-based economist and academic, deportation would require a court ruling according to international norms, particularly as both Azerbaijan and Turkey are members of the Council of Europe.

Azerbaijani and Turkish law enforcement, as well as Gasimov's relatives, remain tight-lipped about the specifics of his case. The only official information available stems from the Azerbaijani Ministry of Internal Affairs, stating he was wanted.

Speaking about deportation, Javadov contends that Gasimov's permanent residence and academic position in Turkey make such an action appear illegitimate. He drew parallels to Huseyn Abdullayev's case and referenced a UN Working Group decision on Abdullayev's unlawful detention, indicating that according to the Geneva Convention, Abdullayev was granted asylum in Germany and therefore should not have been extradited to Azerbaijan. However, Turkey bypassed due process and handed him over.

Aydin Mirzazade, a representative of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party in the Milli Majlis, in an interview with Turan acknowledged that individuals violating Azerbaijani laws have been brought back not only from Turkey but other countries as well.

Mirzazade suggested that this wasn't solely due to Turkey's amicable relations with Azerbaijan but rather related to existing legal agreements between the nations. He noted that such occurrences extend beyond Turkey.

Journalist Rauf Mirgadirov emphasized the distinctions between Gasimov's and Abdullayev's cases. He considered Abdullayev's situation to be a result of naivety and misplaced trust in his Turkish connections, suggesting political interests held precedence.

Mirgadirov recounted his own deportation from Turkey for political reasons, asserting that he was denied the right to appeal or legal representation. He insinuated that the directive had emanated from Baku and discussed his subsequent imprisonment on charges of high treason before being released by decision of the court of appeal.

Abdullayev, on the other hand, faced charges related to illegal entrepreneurship and money laundering, subsequently serving a six-year sentence.

Efforts to engage with Turkish officials and their embassy in Azerbaijan have yielded no response, although Turkish authorities typically emphasize their adherence to democratic values.