Gubad Ibadoglu's Defense Neutralizes the Prosecution's Arguments

The trial of Fazil Gasimov and Anar Aliyev, both arrested in connection with the high-profile “Gubad Ibadoglu case,” resumed on Thursday at the Baku Serious Crimes Court. Judge Mahira Karimova presided over the hearing, during which the defense raised concerns about procedural violations and the handling of counterfeit money evidence.

During the session, Gasimov requested a 10-minute break to consult privately with his lawyer, Fuad Agayev. However, Agayev alleged that a civilian-clothed individual from a state institution acted aggressively toward him, demanding the return of a document issued by Gasimov. After the break, the lawyer protested the incident, but the judge stated that it was beyond her authority to intervene.

Agayev also questioned the origins of allegations linking the case to the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), a group designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey. He cited a media report from a year and a half ago that claimed four individuals had been arrested in Azerbaijan in an operation against FETÖ. According to Agayev, the report was falsely attributed to Turkish newspaper Yeni Şafak, and subsequent investigations revealed no such publication.

The lawyer further argued that key figures previously linked to FETÖ in Azerbaijan, including Döyrush Jafarov, Gyumrah Abdurahmanov, Ruslan Aliyev, and Anar Aliyev, had been arrested on separate charges. He pointed out that while authorities had initially claimed to have seized radical religious materials, financial documents, and counterfeit money from the suspects, none of the FETÖ-related accusations appeared in the official indictments.

Agayev asserted that the same counterfeit banknotes linked to these earlier cases were now being used as evidence against Gasimov and Aliyev. “The claim that the counterfeit money originated from Turkey is false. These banknotes were produced in Azerbaijan,” Agayev told the court.

The defense submitted several motions, including requests to the Interior Ministry to determine whether the counterfeit banknotes from past cases matched those in the current trial and to identify the original source of the fake currency. Another motion sought call records from a key witness, Elshan Aliyev, whom the defense suspects of being a police informant. The court denied all motions.

Gasimov previously alleged that his life was in danger, telling the court after a January 24 hearing that “they want to kill me.” Judge Karimova responded that matters occurring outside the courtroom were beyond her jurisdiction.

Agayev later protested the repeated rejection of defense motions, arguing that the court was violating Gasimov’s right to a fair trial. He accused the prosecution of failing to produce crucial evidence, including video footage allegedly proving financial transactions between Gasimov and Ibadoglu. “The prosecution claims Fazil received money from Gubad Ibadoglu, yet no video evidence exists. Instead, the same counterfeit money appears in multiple cases. Who provided this information? If it’s from a ‘reliable source,’ why is that source not being disclosed? Maybe no such source exists at all,” Agayev said.

He called for Judge Karimova’s removal from the case, but the prosecution dismissed the motion as baseless. Following a brief deliberation, the judge’s assistants ruled against the request.

Gasimov was arrested as part of an investigation into opposition politician and economist Gubad Ibadoglu. He faces charges under Article 204.3.1 of the Criminal Code (preparing, obtaining, or selling counterfeit currency as part of an organized group) and denies any wrongdoing.

Aliyev is charged with possession of counterfeit money and illegal firearms. He has admitted partial guilt.

Ibadoglu, arrested in July 2023, also faces charges related to counterfeit currency and religious extremism. He has consistently denied the allegations. He was placed under house arrest in April before being placed under police supervision in May.

The cases of Gasimov and Aliyev are now being tried separately.