Economists Appeal to the President of Azerbaijan for the Release of Nazim Baydamirli

A group of Azerbaijani economists has appealed to President Ilham Aliyev, requesting assistance in changing the detention measure for Nazim Baydemirli, a former deputy and businessman.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev

Dear Mr. President,

We are writing to express our concern regarding the detention of our colleague, Doctor of Economic Sciences, former Member of Parliament, and businessman Nazim Baydemirli.

Mr. Nazim was arrested on July 5, 2023, by the decision of the Narimanov District Court and was subjected to a 4-month detention measure. Initially, he was charged under Article 182.2.4 of the Criminal Code (extortion with intent to obtain significant property). On September 1, he faced new charges under Article 182.2.2 (repeated extortion) of the Criminal Code, related to an alleged extortion incident in Lipetsk, Russia, 27 years ago in 1996.

On July 10, the Baku Court of Appeal upheld the decision of detention against the economist. His lawyers and public representatives believe that his detention is linked to his attention to the protests of local residents in the Soyudlu village of the Gadabay region regarding the gold mine there. Being from Gadabay himself, it is natural that a renowned intellectual and businessman could not remain indifferent.

Dear Mr. President,

During his time as a Member of Parliament and in subsequent years, Mr. Nazim has made extremely valuable contributions to our state's and society's interests as a public figure and businessman. In his public speeches, he has always strived to highlight solutions to existing economic problems while noting the achievements of our country. This aligns with your statements on the importance of public oversight in our country.

Mr. Nazim is also one of our exemplary businessmen, who has promoted legality and transparency in his activities, worked towards legal awareness among entrepreneurs, and encouraged tax discipline.

Dear Mr. President,

Mr. Nazim Baydemirli is currently 61 years old, has spent more than a year in prison, and is facing serious health issues. His detention measures have been extended several times, and his trial has been ongoing for over two months.

We kindly request that you consider his contributions as a former Member of Parliament, intellectual, and economist, as well as his current health condition, and assist in changing the detention measure chosen for him. We also seek your help in ensuring that the charges against him are investigated fairly and transparently.

We thank you in advance for your attention.

Signatories:

Sabit Baghirov, Head of the Entrepreneurship and Market Economy Development Assistance

Fund Rasim Hasanov, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor at the University of Economics

Ingilab Ahmadov, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor at Khazar University

Azer Mehtiyev, Doctor of Philosophy in Economics, Associate Professor at the University of Economics

Elchin Rashid, Economic Expert Samir Aliyev, Economic Expert

Zohrab Ismayil, Economic Expert