“Siyasi Məhbuslara azadlıq “ ittifagı
“Union for the freedom of political prisoners of Azerbaijan”
Союз «Свободу политически заключенным Азербайджана»
LIST OF POLITICAL PRISONERS
Union for the Freedom for Political Prisoners of Azerbaijan
on 5 April 2021
111 persons
After former KGB general Heydar Aliyev came to power in 1993, in Azerbaijan, political repressions began in the country. In 2003, he was replaced by his son Ilham Aliyev, and the repressions against dissidents became systematic. Azerbaijani human rights defenders regularly compile the list of “prisoners of conscience” and political prisoners.
Current list, on 5 April 2021, includes all arrested and convicted on political motives, about whom it was possible to collect detailed information.
This list consists of 7 groups and includes 111 people:
Group № 1 Journalists and Bloggers – 7 persons
Group № 2 Members of Opposition Parties and Movements – 6 persons
Group № 3 Arrested after the rally on July 14-15, 2020 – 3 persons
Group № 4 Peaceful Believers – 18 persons
Group № 5 Convicted in Tartar case – 25 persons
Group № 6 Convicted in Ganja case – 38 persons
Group № 7 Life Term Sentenced – 14 persons
Above the list of authors:
Leyla Yunus (former “prisoner of conscience”), Director of the Institute for Peace and Democracy
E-mail: yunus.arif.leyla@gmail.com
Skype: arif.yunusov1
Tel.: +31 611 43 59 90
Elshan Hasanov (former “prisoner of conscience”), Head of the Public Union “Center for Monitoring Political Prisoners”
E-mail: elsanhesenov@gmail.com
Tel.: +99 4556109144
Work method: Given list is compiled in accordance with a norm that defines the concept of “political prisoner” expounded in corresponding Resolution # 1900, adopted at the Parliamentary Assembly Session of the Council of Europe (PACE) in October 2012.
GROUP № 1
Journalists and bloggers – 7 persons
1.Polad Aslanov – the Chief Editor of www.xeberman.com and www.press-az.com websites
Arrested: 12 June 2019
Charge: Article 274 (Treason to the state) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
On 14 June 2019 the Sabayil District Court of Baku City chose towards him preventive in form of arrest for the period of 4 months
Sentence: On 16 November 2020 the Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 16 years in prison
Place of detention: Pre-trial Detention Center of the State Security Service
Conclusion:
Polad Aslanov pleaded not guilty and linked the arrest to his journalistic activities, since in his articles he wrote and mentioned the names of the MNS officers (now the State Security Service) who take bribes from Azerbaijani pilgrims traveling to holy places when they cross the border.
2. Elchin Mammad – the Head of the non-governmental organization (NGO) “Legal Enlightenment of the Sumqayit Youth” and the chief editor of the website www.yukselis.info
Arrested: 30 March 2020
Charge: Article 177.2.4 (Theft of property causing significant damage) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
On 31 March 2020 the Sumqayit City Court chose towards him preventive in form of arrest for the period of 3 months
Sentence: On 14 October 2020 the Sumqayit City Court sentenced to 4 years in prison
Conclusion:
Elchin Mammad pleaded not guilty, saying that his arrest is related to a report published by him the day before on the violation and suppression of human rights in Azerbaijan.
Amnesty International published statement about arrest of Elchin Mammad: “Azerbaijani human rights defender Elchin Mammad was arrested on 30 March 2020 and has been detained since under trumped up charges, after publishing online a critical report on the human rights situation in Azerbaijan. Elchin Mammad should be released immediately and unconditionally.” – https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/eur55/2069/2020/en/
Amnesty International Netherlands is holding Urgent Action for Elchin Mammad, which you may find here: https://www.amnesty.nl/forms/urgentaction-azerbeidzjan-elchin-mammad
3. Bahruz Aliyev – the chief editor of the website www. nia.az
Arrested: 30 May 2018
Charge: Articles 311.3.2 and 311.3.4 (Taking bribes, especially large-scale bribery by a group of individuals) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 5 November 2018 Lankaran Grave Crimes Court sentenced him to 8 years and 6 months in prison
Conclusion:
Bahruz Aliyev posted materials about SOCAR’s illegal actions on his website. Despite repeated requests to remove these materials from the site, he continued to post new articles.
4.Afgan Sadiqov – the chief editor of the website Azel TV
Arrested: 13 May 2020
Charge: Article 182.2.1. (Extortion by threats by prior agreement of persons) and 182.2.4. (Extortion by threats with the purpose of seizing property in a significant amount) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic.
On 14 May 2020 the Binagadi District Court chose towards him preventive in form of arrest for the period of 4 months.
Also, the Jalilabad District Court is considering two lawsuits against Afgan Sadiqov – under articles 147.2. (Libel for committing a serious crime) and 148 (Insult) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 3 November 2020 Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced him to 7 years in prison
Conclusion:
On the eve of his arrest, Afghan Sadigov posted a material on Facebook entitled “Crime hidden in Takhtakorpyu”, in which he claims that two girls in the village of Takhtakorpyu, one of whom is a minor, were sexually assaulted. He stated that there was no objective investigation of these facts.
A.Sadiqov also published critical materials about officials of the Executive power of the city of Sumqayit.
5. Aslan Qurbanov – blogger
Arrested: 14 July 2020
Charge: Article 281.2 (Calls against the state) and 283.1 (Incitement of national, religious, social discord) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic.
Court chose towards him preventive in form of arrest for the period of 4 months.
Conclusion:
Blogger Aslan Qurbanov published a post on Facebook with statements about the arrest of an activist of the Popular Front of Azerbaijan Party (PFPA) Pasha Umudov and former Defense Minister Rahim Gaziyev, demanding their release. Aslan Qurbanov suffers from a serious neurological disease and, at the request of the defense, was transferred from the Detention Centre of the State Security Service to the Medical Institution of the Penitentiary Service.
6. Elchin Hasanzade – blogger
Arrested: 16 November, 2020
Charge: Articles 147.1 (libel) and 148 (insult) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 16 November 2020 the Mingachevir City Court sentenced him to 1 year in prison.
Bloggers and the opposition appealed the verdict.
On March 2, 2021, the Shekinsky Court of Appeal, chaired by Judge Rafael Aliyev, sentenced blogger Elchin Hasanzade to eight months in prison.
Conclusion:
In early 2020, bloggers in social networks (FB) published information exposing the fraud of the head of the Mingachevir City Department of Housing and Communal Services (J.K.) Shakhriyar Mustafaev and in response Mustafaev filed a lawsuit against bloggers in a special prosecution. On November 16, 2020, the Mingyachevir City Court, chaired by Judge Huseyn Mirzaliyev, sentenced Elchin Hasanzade to 1 year in prison under articles 147.1 (libel) and 148 (insult) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
7.Ibrahim Salamov (Turksoy) -blogger
Arrested: 16 November, 2020
Charge: Articles 147.1 (libel) and 148 (insult) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 16 November 2020 the Mingachevir City Court sentenced him to 1 year in prison.
Bloggers and the opposition appealed the verdict.
On March 2, 2021, the Shekinsky Court of Appeal, chaired by Judge Rafael Aliyev, sentenced blogger Ibrahim Salamov to eight months in prison.
Conclusion:
In early 2020, bloggers in social networks (FB) published information exposing the fraud of the head of the Mingachevir City Department of Housing and Communal Services (J.K.) Shakhriyar Mustafaev and in response Mustafaev filed a lawsuit against bloggers in a special prosecution. On November 16, 2020, the Mingyachevir City Court, chaired by Judge Huseyn Mirzaliyev, sentenced Ibrahim Salamov to 1 year in prison under articles 147.1 (libel) and 148 (insult) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
GROUP № 2
Members of opposition parties and movements – 6 persons
8. Saleh Rustamov – former head of the executive authority of Gadabay District in 1992-1993, during the rule of the PFPA
Arrested: 8 May 2018
Charge: Article 234.4.3 (Illegal manufacturing, purchase, storage, transportation, transfer or selling of narcotics, psychotropic substances, committed on preliminary arrangement by group of persons or organized group in large amount) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic. On 9 May 2018 the Narimanov District Court of Baku City chose towards him preventive him in form of arrest for the period of 4 months
Sentence: On 27 February 2019 the Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 7 years and 3 months in prison
Conclusion:
Saleh Rustamov was the head of the executive authority of Gadabay District in 1992-1993, during the rule of the Popular Front of Azerbaijan. He lived in Russia for the last 20 years. He visited Azerbaijan once in a year. On 8 May while returning home, he was detained in Shamkir District. He was charged in drug trafficking. On 10 May his nephew, Vidadi Rustamov was arrested under same charge.
After 2014-2015 events, independent non-governmental organisations and the representatives of civil society in Azerbaijan became deprived of any possibility to receive financial assistance from foreign donors.
Azerbaijan authorities started persecuting Azerbaijanis who live abroad, and who provide support to the opposition and political prisoners in the country. Since the beginning of May 2018, the arrests of Azerbaijani activists living abroad, but aiding financially, sending donations to Azerbaijan, trying to support with medicine and products the political prisoners – began. There are tenth of people in prison who are not receiving food parcels.
9. Aqil Maharramov – the member of Board of the PFPA
Arrested: 25 May 2018
Charge: Articles 192.2.3 (Illegal business committed with extraction of income in the significant size by organized group); 193-1.3.1 and 193-1.3.2 (Legalization of money or other property obtained by crime committed in the large size) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic. On 25 May court chose preventive measure towards A. Maharramov in form of arrest for the period of 4 months. On 1 June 2018 the Baku Court of Appeal dismissed the complaint on his arrest
Sentence: On 27 February 2019 the Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 4 years in prison
10.Pasha Umudov – Chairman of District Department of the PFPA
Arrested: 19 October 2019
Charge: Article 234.2 (Illegal distribution of narcotics or psychotropic substances) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic. On 24 October 2019, court chose preventive measure against him in form of arrest for period of 3 months.
Sentence: On 7 August 2020, the Narimanov District Court of Baku sentenced Pasha Umudov to 4.5 years in prison
Judge: Vusala Qurbanova
Conclusion:
Pasha Umudov – chairman of District Department/branch of Azerbaijan Popular Front Party and at the same time the driver of Party Chairman Ali Karimli.
Charges against him are falsified. It is yet another charge incriminated by law enforcement agencies against opposition activist.
11. Zamin Salayev – member of the PFPA
Arrested: 20 April 2020
Charge: Articles 147 (Libel for committing a serious crime) and 148 (Insult) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 20 April 2020 the Salyan District Court sentenced him to 2 years and 3 months in prison.
Zamin Salayev – member of the PFPA, publicly accused the head of the Investigative Department of the Salyan police, Hamza Azizov, of blackmailing a 21-year-old local woman into cohabiting. Family members of the young woman in their video appeal said that the police put pressure on them, demanding not to complain about the actions of the police officer, threatening to arrest them. Instead of an objective investigation, law enforcement agencies arrested and tortured Zamin Salayev and sentenced him to 2 years and 3 months in prison.
12. Niyamaddin Ahmadov – member of the PFPA
Arrested: 16 April 2020
Charge: Article 214-1 (Financing terrorism) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic.
On 16 May 2020, Nasimi District Court of Baku City chose preventive measure against him in form of arrest for period of 4 months
On 16 April 2020, Niyamaddin Ahmadov was placed in custody for 30 days under administrative detention “for violating quarantine measures and disobeying the lawful demands of a police officer”. The Azerbaijani Popular Front Party made a special statement stating that during the administrative arrest N. Ahmadov had been taken out of the Binagadi Temporary Detention Facility and placed in the Pre-trial Detention Center of the State Security Service, where he had been subjected to torture in the form of inflicting physical injuries by means of beating and with the use of a taser. N. Ahmadov was kept in the Pre-trial Detention Center of the State Security Service, where he was tortured for 10 days. N. Ahmadov was forced to testify against Ali Karimli and other party members. On 9 May 2020, he was brought back to the Binagadi Temporary Detention Facility.
On 16 May 2020, Niyamaddin Ahmadov’s 30-day administrative arrest was due to expire. His family, relatives, friends and the journalists were waiting for Niyamaddin Ahmadov at the exit of the Binagadi Temporary Detention Facility, where he had to be kept, but they were unable to meet him. The media wrote about his disappearance. There was no news about Niyamaddin Ahmadov for three days.
Only on 19 May 2020, the Azerbaijan Republic General Prosecutor’s Office released the information about the initiation of criminal case against Niyamaddin Ahmadov confirming his detention in the Pre-trial Detention Center of the State Security Service. In the statement of the General Prosecutor’s Office it was indicated that Ahmadov had received money from his fellow villager Qabil Mammadov residing in Germany in order to finance some terrorist organizations.
13. Nijat Ibrahim – social activist
Arrested: 20 July, 2020
Charge: Article 139-1.1 (violation of the anti-epidemic, sanitary and hygienic and quarantine regime, which caused or threatened the spread of the disease) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 5 March 2021 the Baku City Nasimi District Court sentenced Nijat Ibrahim to 1 year and 3 months in prison.
Conclusion:
Lawyer Zibeida Sadykhova said that Nijat Ibrahim was detained on July 20, two days after he announced on a social network on Facebook his intention to hold a single protest in front of the presidential administration and posted a photo of several posters (demanding the resignation of President Ilham Aliyev) of this action. When he left the house in order to go to the action, he was detained. At the same time, according to the lawyer, Ibrahim had a SMS pass, was wearing gloves and a mask, that is, there were no violations of the quarantine regime.
The defense considers the accusation unfounded. Zibeid Sadygov’s lawyer stated that his illness was not proven and if he was a COVID – 19 carrier, he should have been placed in a medical institution, and not in a police station within two days after his detention.
“The case file states that Ibrahim was detained on the basis of operational information that he went outside while infected. However, the source of operational information has not been clarified. A document was not submitted to the court that Ibrahim was infected and had been ordered by doctors not to leave the house.
We petitioned the court for a private determination and the prosecution of two police officers and an investigator. The police – for giving false testimony, and the investigator – for the arrest of an innocent person. But the applications were dismissed, “said Z. Sadygova.
GROUP № 3
Arrested after the rally on 14-15 July 2020 – 3 persons
14. Nijat Ibrahimov
Arrested: 17 July 2020
Charge: Article 139-1. (Infection of other person with venereal disease committed by a person who knew to be infected) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic.
On 22 July 2020 Nasimi District Court of Baku City chose preventive measure against Nijat Ibrahimov in form of arrest for period of 3 months.
Judge: Solmaz Mustafayeva
15. Samad Gadirov
Arrested: 17 July 2020
Charge: Article 139-1. (Infection of other person with venereal disease committed by a person who knew to be infected) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic.
On 22 July 2020 Nasimi District Court of Baku City chose preventive measure against Samad Gadirov in form of arrest for period of 3 months.
Judge: Tural Alakbarov
16. Vugar Valiyev
Arrested: 17 July 2020
On 22 July 2020 Nasimi District Court of Baku City chose preventive measure against Vugar Valiyev in form of arrest for period of 3 months.
Judge: Tural Alakbarov
GROUP № 4
BELIVERS – 18 people
Members of the Islamic Party
17. Movsum Mardan oglu Samadov – Chairman of the Islamic Party of Azerbaijan
Date of arrest: 7 January 2011
Charge: Articles 28 (Preparation to a crime); 214.2.1 (Preparation of terrorism, committed on preliminary arrangement by group of persons, by organized group or criminal community/organization); 214.2.3 (Preparation of terrorism, committed with application of fire-arms or subjects used as a weapon); 228.3 (Illegal purchase, transfer, selling, storage, transportation and carrying of fire-arms, accessories to it, supplies or explosives, committed by organized group) and 278 (Violent capture power or violent deduction power) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 7 October 2011 the Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 12 years in prison
Judge: Eldar Ismayilov
Place of detention: Gobustan Closed Prison
Conclusion:
The Islamic Party of Azerbaijan (IPA) was founded in 1991 in Baku and registered in 1992. Although the IPA’s registration was revoked in 1995 by the Supreme Court, its activity was not actually banned. Thus, the party is still operating without registration. When Movsum Samadov was elected as the Party Chairman in 2007, the party applied to the Ministry of Justice for registration. The Ministry did not register the party.
At the IPA General Assembly held on 2 January 2011, Samadov made a speech strongly criticizing President Aliyev for the social situation in the country. In his speech, Samadov referred to articles from the Washington Post and the New York Times about villas in Dubai reportedly owned by the president and his son, adding that the wealth of the Azerbaijani people and state had been stolen; there were no jobs for Azerbaijani youth despite the country’s great wealth; injustice and bribery ruled in the country; the money spent on the Flower Festival to celebrate the birthday of former President Heydar Aliyev was essentially stolen from the people; and idolatry was promoted in the country by idolizing Heydar Aliyev. Samadov’s speech went viral on social media networks, particularly on YouTube, leading to broad discussions.
Five days after this speech was made, on 7 January 2011, Samadov and many of his fellows were arrested and charged in preparation of a terrorist act and a coup. However, in court Movsum Samadov and other arrested believers categorically rejected all charges and stated that law enforcement officials planted them weapons during the arrest, then tortured during the investigation. During the trial the prosecution had failed to prove the fact of preparation of terrorist act and a coup. But the court nevertheless agreed with the arguments of the prosecution and sentenced to large period of imprisonment.
18. Abqul Neymat oglu Suleymanov – head of the religious community Jafari Hayat (Jafar’s Life)
Date of arrest: 12 August 2011
Charge: Articles 228.1 (Illegal purchase, transfer, selling, storage, transportation or carrying of fire-arms, accessories to it, supplies (except for the smooth-bore hunting weapon and ammunition to it), explosives); 233 (Organization of actions promoting infringement of a social order or active participation in such actions); 234.1 (Illegal purchase or storage without a purpose of selling of narcotics or psychotropic substances in a quantity (amount) exceeding necessary for personal consumption) and 283.2.1 (Excitation of national, racial or religious hostility with application of violence or with threat of its application) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 10 August 2012 the Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 11 years in prison
Judge: Mayil Bayramov
Place of detention: Prison No. 11
Conclusion:
Abqul Suleymanov is well known in Azerbaijan as a religious activist and influential religious figure. Abqul Suleymanov, who was teaching the Koran and Islamic religion since 2001 on a mobile basis, helped to establish the “National Moral Values” Public Union in 2005.
On 12 August 2011, the Ministry of National Security (MNS) and the Prosecutor General’s Office released a joint statement saying Suleymanov and journalist Ramin Jahangir oglu Bayramov and IPA member Arif Gulsuvar oglu Qaniyev who were arrested together with him were suspected of assisting a foreign state and its delegates in conducting enmity against Azerbaijan, as well as inciting mass disorders and violation of public safety, and encouraging people for disobedience. The statement went on to say that Suleymanov, with financial support from the Baku-based Cultural Center of the Islamic Republic of Iran, created and led a radical religious group called “Jafari” without official state registration.
All three were sentenced to pre-trial detention. Although they were subject to a joint investigation, their trials were conducted separately, in conflict with the statement released on 12 August. The district courts sentenced Ramin Bayramov and Arif Qaniyev to 1.5 years in jail (Ramin Bayramov was recognized by Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience; both men have since been released). But Suleymanov’s case was heard by the Baku Court of Grave Crimes. The trial started in August 2012. The last decision about Suleymanov’s pre-trial detention was issued by the Sabayil District Court on 6 April 2012. The decision stated that his pre-trial detention was extended to 11 May 2012. This clearly showed that Suleymanov was detained in prison for three months (from May to August 2012) illegally, that is, without a court decision.
During the investigation and at the trial Abqul Suleymanov stated about the falsification of the charges against him and indicated that weapons and drugs were planted by police officers. Abqul Suleymanov is a victim of political repressions against popular religious figures.
19. Elshan Mustafaoglu – scholar and theologian
Date of arrest: 17 December 2014
Charge: Article 274 (High treason, that is, deliberate action committed by a citizen of the Azerbaijan Republic to the detriment of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, state security or defensibility of the Azerbaijan Republic: changeover to enemy side, espionage, distribution of state secrets to foreign state, rendering assistance to a foreign state, foreign organization or their representatives resulting in hostile activity against the Azerbaijan Republic) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 30 December 2016 the Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 10 years in prison
Place of detention: Prison No. 1
Conclusion:
Doctor (Ph.D.) Elshan Mustafaoglu worked in 2006-2007 on Public TV and led the most popular program about religion “Friday conversations”. Also in 2007, on ANS TV he led a program “About God and Religion”. At the trial E. Mustafaoglu categorically rejected all the charges and said about systematic tortures during the investigation. The defendant’s lawyer Afgan Mammadov stated that there are no materials demonstrating validity of the accusations.
20. Ilham Aliyev – the acting Chairman of the IPA
Date of arrest: 29 February 2020
Charge: Article 274 (Treason to the Motherland) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic. On 2 March 2020 the Sabayil district court of Baku city chose a measure of restraint arrest for 4 months
Conclusion:
The authorities have been actively persecuting peaceful believers, especially activists of the Islamic party and the Muslim unity movement, for almost 20 years. In 2011, the Chairman of the IPA, Movsum Samadov, was arrested and sentenced to 12 years in prison on charges of attempting to violently overthrow the constitutional order and create a religious state in the country. Ilham Aliyev took his place in the Islamic party and was also arrested
ARRESTED ON NARDARAN CASE,
INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE MUSLIM
UNITY MOVEMENT
Explanation about Nardaran case and Muslim Unity Movement
There are arrested at different times and in different places and are the victims of political repressions of regime that brooks no dissent and criticism.
There are all residents of Nardaran village which is located 40 km from Baku, has low standards of living and acute unemployment problem. One of the most respected by Shiites mosques, founded in the 8th Century, is located in Nardaran. Nardaran differs from other Baku villages with its religiosity. In 2000, 2002, and 2006, the residents of Nardaran held peaceful protests with socio- economic demands. In June 2002, police carried out military operation in the village, as a result of which 28 people were injured, one died. 23 people were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment on falsified charges; in espionage in favour of Iran, in attempt of violent change of power, and etc. However, as a result of the active work of human rights defenders, none of them remained in the custody after 2005.
On 26 November 2015, there was another police operation in Nardaran. Armed with automatic weapons, the police entered the village and opened heavy fire. As a result, 6 people were killed, including two police officers. Dozens of citizens were arrested. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and General Prosecutor’s Office issued the joint statement, in which they explained the use of firearms against the villagers as an operation necessary to neutralise a criminal armed group that functioned under a religious cover, which planned mass riots, terrorist acts and destabilisation of the socio-political situation in the republic.
On 19 July 2016 the trial of 18 defendants in the Nardaran case was held in the Baku Grave Crimes Court. During the trial all the accused testified that both the policemen and four residents of Nardaran were killed by the police officers. On the trial defendants informed that the police beaten them to death in a car in which they were transported to the Main Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (MDCOC) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The accused told about brutal tortures to which they were subjected in the MDCOC. All appeals of lawyers to the Prosecutor’s Office to the need of investigation of the facts of tortures and crimes of law enforcement officers were ignored.
Tale Bagirzade testified that he was beaten and tortured more than 30 days so he testified against leader of the opposition Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan Ali Kerimli and chairman of the National Council of Democratic Forces Jamil Hasanli.
During the trial in the Baku Grave Crimes Court, the accused refused the primary testimony given during the investigation, indicating that they had testified under torture.
The majority of those arrested had no lawyers, all witnesses against them were police, and many of believers were convicted without trial. But when conducting trials, there were no evidence against the accused presented at these trials.
We divided political prisoners in so-called Nardaran case into three groups.
Group № 1
Arrested from 5 November to 26 November 2015
21. Elvin Hatif oglu Bunyadov
Date of arrest: 5 November 2015
Charge: Articles 228.4 (Illegal acquisition, selling or carrying of gas weapon, cold steel, including throwing weapon, except for districts where carrying of a cold steel is an accessory of a national suit or connected to hunting); 233 (Organization of actions promoting infringement of a social order or active participation in such actions) and 315.2 (Resistance or application of violence concerning the representative of authority, committed with violence dangerous to life or health) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 13 August 2016 the Sabunchi District Court of Baku City sentenced to 6 years 1 month and 15 days
Judge: Suleyman Agayev
22. Teymur Adilkhan oglu Osmanov
Date of arrest: 26 November 2015
Charge: Articles 233 (Organization of actions promoting infringement of a social order or active participation in such actions) and 315.2 (Resistance or application of violence concerning the representative of authority, committed with violence dangerous to life or health) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 3 August 2016 the Sabunchi District Court of Baku City sentenced to 5 years 11 months and 15 days
Judge: Suleyman Agayev
Group № 2
This group includes arrested on November 26, 2015 believers headed by the Chairman of the Muslim Unity Movement Tale Bagirzade
23. Tale Kamil oglu Bagirzade – Chairman of the Muslim Unity Movement
Date of arrest: 26 November 2015
Charge: Articles 28 (Preparation to a crime); 214.2.1 (Preparation of terrorism, committed on preliminary arrangement by group of persons, by organized group or criminal community (criminal organization); 214.2.3. (Preparation of terrorism, committed with application of fire-arms or subjects used as a weapon); 220.2 (Appeals to active insubordination to legal requirements of representatives of authority and to mass disorders, as well as appeals to violence above citizens); 228.4 (Illegal purchase, selling or carrying of gas weapon, cold steel, including throwing weapon, except for districts where carrying of a cold steel is an accessory of a national suit or connected to hunting) and 315.2 (Resistance or application of violence concerning the representative of authority, committed with violence dangerous to life or health) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic.
On 19 May 2016 the investigation brought a new charges under articles 29 (Attempt to a crime),120.2.1 (Deliberate murder, committed by group of persons, on preliminary arrangement by group of persons, by organized group or criminal community), 120.2.3 (Deliberate murder of victims or his close relatives in connection with implementation of a given person of service activity or performance of public debt), 120.2.4 (Deliberate murder, committed with special cruelty or in publicly dangers way), 120.2.7 (Deliberate murder of two or more persons) and 120.2.12 (Deliberate murder on motive of national, racial, religious hatred or enmity) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: on 25 January 2017 the Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 20 years in prison
Judge: Alovsat Abbasov
Place of detention: Gobustan Closed Prison
24. Jahad Balahuseyn oglu Balakishiyev
Date of arrest: 26 November 2015
Charge: see articles charges Tale Bagirzade
Sentence: On 25 January 2017 the Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 14 years and 6 months in prison
Judge: Alovsat Abbasov
25. Javad Alibala oglu Valiyev
Date of arrest: 26 November 2015
Charge: see articles charges Tale Bagirzade
Sentence: On 25 January 2017 the Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 14 years and 6 months in prison
Judge: Alovsat Abbasov
26. Jabbar Amirkhan oglu Jabbarov
Date of arrest: 26 November 2015
Charge: see articles charges Tale Bagirzade
Sentence: On 25 January 2017 the Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 19 years in prison
Judge: Alovsat Abbasov
Place of detention: Gobustan Closed Prison
27. Rasim Mirzabala oglu Jabrayilov
Date of arrest: 26 November 2015
Charge: see articles charges Tale Bagirzade
Sentence: On 25 January 2017 the Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 17 years in prison
Judge: Alovsat Abbasov
Place of detention: Gobustan Closed Prison
28. Abbas Mammadbagir oglu Huseynov
Date of arrest: 26 November 2015
Charge: see articles charges Tale Bagirzade
Sentence: On 25 January 2017 the Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 20 years in prison
Judge: Alovsat Abbasov
Place of detention: Gobustan Closed Prison
Group № 3
This group includes believers arrested on Nardaran and other regions of Azerbaijan after November 26, 2015
29. Hasan Mammad oglu Mammadov
Date of arrest: 6 December 2015
Charge: Articles 214.2.1 (Preparation of terrorism, committed on preliminary arrangement by group of persons, by organized group or criminal community (criminal organization); 214.2.3 (Preparation of terrorism, committed with application of fire-arms or subjects used as a weapon); 214-2 (Public calls for terrorism); 220.2 (Appeals to active insubordination to legal requirements of representatives of authority and to mass disorders, as well as appeals to violence above citizens); 221.2.2 (Committed with resistance to representative of the authority, acting as on protection of a social order or stopping infringement of a social order or with resistance to other person); 228.3 (Illegal purchase, transfer, selling, storage, transportation and carrying of fire-arms, accessories to it, supplies or explosives, committed by organized group); 228.4 (Illegal acquisition, selling or carrying of gas weapon, cold steel, including throwing weapon, except for districts where carrying of a cold steel is an accessory of a national suit or connected to hunting); 279.1 (Creation of armed formations or groups, which are not provided by the legislation of the Azerbaijan Republic, and also participation in their creation and activity, supplying them by weapon, ammunition, explosives, military engineering or military equipment); 281.2 (Public appeals directed against the state, committed repeatedly or by group of persons); 283.2.3 (Excitation of national, racial or religious hostility committed by person with use of the service position) and 315.1 (Application of violence, resistance with application of violence concerning the representative of authority in connection with performance of official duties by him or application of the violence not dangerous to life or health concerning his close relatives, as well as threat of application of such violence) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 6 December 2017 the Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 12 years and 3 months in prison
Judge: Zeynal Agayev
Members of the Muslim Unity Movement
30. Seyfaddin Nurulla oglu Shirvanov
Date of arrest: 6 December 2015
Charge: Articles 214.2.1 (Preparation of terrorism, committed on preliminary arrangement by group of persons, by organized group or criminal community (criminal organization); 214.2.3 (Preparation of terrorism, committed with application of fire-arms or subjects used as a weapon); 214-2 (Public calls for terrorism); 220.2 (Appeals to active insubordination to legal requirements of representatives of authority and to mass disorders, as well as appeals to violence above citizens); 228.3 (Illegal purchase, transfer, selling, storage, transportation and carrying of fire-arms, accessories to it, supplies or explosives, committed by organized group); 228.4 (Illegal acquisition, selling or carrying of gas weapon, cold steel, including throwing weapon, except for districts where carrying of a cold steel is an accessory of a national suit or connected to hunting); 233 (Organization of actions promoting infringement of a social order or active participation in such actions); 278 (Violent capture power or violent deduction power); 279.1 (Creation of armed formations or groups, which are not provided by the legislation of the Azerbaijan Republic, and also participation in their creation and activity, supplying them by weapon, ammunition, explosives, military engineering or military equipment); 281.2 (Public appeals directed against the state, committed repeatedly or by group of persons); 283.2.3 (Excitation of national, racial or religious hostility committed by person with use of the service position) and 315.1 (Application of violence, resistance with application of violence concerning the representative of authority in connection with performance of official duties by him or application of the violence not dangerous to life or health concerning his close relatives, as well as threat of application of such violence) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 28 December 2017 the Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 12 years and 3 months in prison
Judge: MayilBayramov
31. Muhammadali Ruhulla oglu Akhundzade – theologian
Date of arrest: 28 December 2015
Charge: Article 234.2 (Illegal purchase or storage with a view of selling, manufacturing, processing, transportation, transfer or selling of narcotics or psychotropic substances) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 30 June 2016 the Court of Lankaran City sentenced to 5 years and 6 months in prison
Conclusion:
M. Akhundzade studied at religious educational school (madrasa), on social networks wrote critical articles about the policy of the authorities of Azerbaijan. He was arrested after the “Nardaran events”, when come back home from Iran.
M. Akhundzade is a son of the famous theologian Ruhulla Akhundzade, who was arrested in 2011 for political reasons and released in 2021. The arrest of members of families of political prisoners who continue to speak critically against policy of authority is common practice in Azerbaijan
32. Ahsan Nuruzade – activists of the Muslim Unity Movement
Date of arrest: 6 October 2017
Charge: Article 234.4.3 (Illegal manufacturing, purchase, storage, transportation, transfer or selling of narcotics, psychotropic substances, committed on preliminary arrangement by group of persons or organized group in large amount) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On March 06, 2018 the Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 7 years in prison
Judge: Sabuhi Huseynov
Conclusion:
Ahsan Nuruzade actively participated in the protection of the rights of arrested members of the Muslim Unity Movement, assisted in covering of the trial in media and social networks. In 2016, twice was detained administratively. On 6 October 2017, A. Nuruzade was again detained in the courtyard of his house by persons in civilian clothes. Three days the lawyer appealed to the police and the courts, trying to establish his location. But only on the evening of 9 October 2017 in the Pre-trial Detention Center No. 1 of Kyurdakhani confirmed that A. Nuruzade transferred to the detention centre.
33. Shamkhal Eyvazov – activists of the Muslim Unity Movement
Date of arrest: 27 April 2018
Charge: Article 234.4.3 (Illegal manufacturing, purchase, storage, transportation, transfer or selling of narcotics, psychotropic substances, committed on preliminary arrangement by group of persons or organized group in large amount) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Place of detention: Pre-trial Detention Center No. 1 of Kyurdakhani
Conclusion:
Shamkhal Eyvazov is a theologian, studied in Iran in the Qum City, actively participated in publishing site www.sizinyol.com . For this, his family for a long time is controlled by the police.
On 16 April 2018, Shamkhal Eyvazov together with his brother Migdad Eyvazov passed a customs inspection at the border with Iran and were detained and taken to the Main Directorate for Combating Organized Crime of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan, where illegally detained more than 4 days. Only then they announced a ban on leaving the country. The arrest of Eyvazov Shamkhal is a continuation of repressions against peaceful believers.
34.Elvin Murvat oglu Muradov – activists of the Muslim Unity Movement
Date of arrest: 13 March 2020
Charge: Article 228.1 (Traffic in weapons) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Place of detention: Pre-trial Detention Center No. 1 of Kyurdakhani
Conclusion:
Elvin Muradov was first detained by law enforcement agencies on 5 February 2020 when returning from Moscow (Russia). But then, after holding him for several hours In the Department for combating serious crimes of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he was released in the evening. However, on 13 March, he disappeared and there was no information about him for three days. Only on 16 March, his family was officially informed that E. Muradov had been charged under article 228.1 of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic.
According to his family, the reason for the arrest of Elvin Muradov was that he wrote and sang songs about the Chairman of the “Muslim Unity” movement Tale Bagirzade, as well as about other political prisoners.
GROUP № 5
Sentenced on Tartar Case – 25 persons
35. Emil Abdulnasir oglu Aliyev
Arrested: 15 January 2018
Charge: Articles 150.2.1 (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organised group); 274 (State betray) and 338.1 (Infringement of rules on implementing fighting service) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 16 August 2018 Ganja Military Court sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Chief Judge: Vugar Mammadov
Judges: Salman Huseynov, Vidadi Nasirov
Conclusion:
In 2011, Emil Aliyev completed military service with excellent service track characteristics at military unit in Tovuz Region of the Azerbaijan and he was demobilized from army. After arrests in spring and summer of 2017, in Tartar region, he was summoned to the prosecutor’s office on 15 January 2018. He was arrested and sentenced to 12 years in prison 7 years after expiration of military service in 2011.
36. Emin Abilov
Arrested: 7 May 2017
Charge: Articles 150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organised group), 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 9 July 2018 Tartar Military Court sentenced to 15 years in prison
Presiding Judge: Ilqar Quliyev
Judges: Ahmad Sariyev, Vidadi Nasirov
37. Orhan Nariman oglu Babayev
Arrested: 7 May 2017
Charge: Articles 150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organised group); 274 (State betray), including 8 more Articlesof the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 9 July 2018 Tartar Military Court sentenced to 15 years in prison
Presiding Judge: Ilqar Quliyev
Judges: Ahmad Sariyev, Vidadi Nasirov
38. Natiq Altay oglu Quluzade
Arrested: 5 May 2017
Charge: 150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organised group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 9 July 2018 Tartar Military Court sentenced to 16 years in prison
Presiding Judge: Ilqar Quliyev
Judges: Ahmad Sariyev, Vidadi Nasirov
39. Vali Sovkhoz oglu Khalilov
Arrested: 7 May 2017
Charge: Articles 150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organised group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 9 July 2018 Tartar Military Court sentenced to 10 years in prison
Presiding Judge: Ilqar Quliyev
Judges: Ahmad Sariyev, Vidadi Nasirov
40. Nijat Qabil oglu Rzayev
Arrested: 15 May 2017
Charge: Articles 150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organised group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 9 July 2018 Tartar Military Court sentenced to 15 years in prison
Presiding Judge: Ilqar Quliyev
Judges: Ahmad Sariyev, Vidadi Nasirov
41. Zaur Akif oglu Abdullayev
Arrested: 5 May 2017
Charge: Articles 150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organised group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 9 July 2018 Tartar Military Court sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Presiding Judge: Ilqar Quliyev
Judges: Ahmad Sariyev, Vidadi Nasirov
42. Yalchin Amir oglu Tarverdizade
Arrested: 7 May 2017
Charge: Articles 150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organised group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 9 July 2018 Tartar Military Court sentenced to 9 years in prison.
Presiding Judge: Ilqar Quliyev
Judges: Ahmad Sariyev, Vidadi Nasirov
43. Ismayil Intiqam oglu Huseynov
Arrested: 7 May 2017
Charge: Articles 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 1 August 2018 Baku Military Court sentenced to 16 years in prison
44. Sadayil Mikayil oglu Shukyrov
Arrested: 15 January 2018
Charge: Articles150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organized group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 16 August 2018 Ganja Military Court sentenced to 11 years in prison
Presiding Judge: Vugar Mammadov
Judges: Salman Huseynov, Vidadi Nasirov
45.Sultan Ramazan oglu Zeydullaev
Arrested: 7 May 2017
Charge: Articles150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organized group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 14 June 2018 Tartar Military Court sentenced to 20 years in prison
Presiding Judge: Ilqar Quliyev
Judges: Ahmad Sariyev, Vidadi Nasirov
46. Rauf Rashid oglu Orujev
Arrested: 8 May 2017
Charge: Articles150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organized group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 14 June 2018 Tartar Military Court sentenced to 7 years in prison
Presiding Judge: Ilqar Quliyev
Judges: Ahmad Sariyev, Vidadi Nasirov
47. Atabey Muqabil oglu Rahimov
Arrested: 10 May 2017
Charge: Articles150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organized group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 14 June 2018 Tartar Military Court sentenced to 20 years in prison
Presiding Judge: Ilqar Quliyev
Judges: Ahmad Sariyev, Vidadi Nasirov
48. Emin Qadir oglu Adilzade
Arrested: 7 May 2017
Charge: Articles150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organized group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On14 June 2018 Tartar Military Court sentenced to 16 years in prison
Presiding Judge: Ilqar Quliyev
Judges: Ahmad Sariyev, Vidadi Nasirov
49. Mirpasha Zahid oglu Mehdiyev
Arrested: 7 May 2017
Charge: Articles150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organized group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 14 June 2018 Tartar Military Court sentenced to 8 years in prison
Presiding Judge: Ilqar Quliyev
Judges: Ahmad Sariyev, Vidadi Nasirov
50. Faiq Alibey oglu Ahmadov
Arrested: 7 May 2017
Charge: Articles150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organized group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 14 June 2018 Tartar Military Court sentenced to 20 years in prison
Presiding Judge: Ilqar Quliyev
Judges: Ahmad Sariyev, Vidadi Nasirov
51. Nasif Mehman oglu Aliyev
Arrested: 7 May 2017
Charge: Article150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organized group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 14 June 2018 Tartar Military Court sentenced to 20 years in prison
Presiding Judge: Ilqar Quliyev
Judges: Ahmad Sariyev, Vidadi Nasirov
52. Majid Kamal oglu Qasimov
Arrested: 7 May 2017
Charge: Article150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organized group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 14 June 2018 Tartar Military Court sentenced to 9 years in prison
Presiding Judge: Ilqar Quliyev
Judges: Ahmad Sariyev, Vidadi Nasirov
53. Mushfiq Seymur oglu Ahmadli
Arrested: 7 May 2017
Charge: Articles150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organized group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 14 June 2018 Tartar Military Court sentenced to 16 years in prison
Presiding Judge: Ilqar Quliyev
Judges: Ahmad Sariyev, Vidadi Nasirov
54. Alizamin Alimdar oglu Quliyev
Arrested: 7 May 2017
Charge: Article150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organized group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 14 June 2018 Tartar Military Court sentenced to 7 years in prison
Presiding Judge: Ilqar Quliyev
Judges: Ahmad Sariyev, Vidadi Nasirov
55. Turan Maarif oglu Ibrahimli
Arrested: 7 May 2017
Charge: Articles150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organized group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 14 June 2018 Tartar Military Court sentenced to 9 years in prison.
Presiding Judge: Ilqar Quliyev
Judges: Ahmad Sariyev, Vidadi Nasirov
56. Teymur Israyil oglu Hasanov
Arrested: 14 May 2017
Charge: Articles150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organized group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 8 October 2018 Ganja Military Court sentenced to 15 years in prison
Presiding Judge: Vugar Mammadov
Judges: Salman Huseynov, Vidadi Nasirov
57. Faiq Arif oglu Aliyev
Arrested: 14 May 2017
Charge: Articles150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organized group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 8 October 2018 Ganja Military Court sentenced to 15 years in prison
Presiding Judge: Vugar Mammadov
Judges: Salman Huseynov, Vidadi Nasirov
58. Nusrat Farhad oglu Qurbanov
Arrested: 14 May 2017
Charge: Articles150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organized group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 8 October 2018 Ganja Military Court sentenced to 15 years in prison
Presiding Judge: Vugar Mammadov
Judges: Salman Huseynov, Vidadi Nasirov
59. Suleyman Eynulla Hajiyev
Arrested: 14 May 2017
Charge: Articles150.2.1. (Violent actions of sexual nature, committed by a group of persons, by a group with a premeditated conspiracy or by an organized group); 274 (State betray) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 8 October 2018 Ganja Military Court sentenced to 15 years in prison
Presiding Judge: Vugar Mammadov
Judges: Salman Huseynov, Vidadi Nasirov
Conclusion:
On 7 May 2017 the Prosecutor General, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Internal Affairs and State Security Service issued a joint statement on revealing a group of military personnel and civilians that have been compromising military secrets to the intelligence and special units of the Armenian Armed Forces (for mere satisfaction of «material interests»). Authorities opened a criminal case with article 274 (State treason) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan Republic and launched a special investigative group with the members of the above-mentioned agencies.
On 7 May the wave of arrests affecting not just the military but also civilian residents of the villages in close proximity of the frontline, targeted mainly Tartar region. On 7-8 May media reported 47 arrests within one day, yet they did not specify names of the detainees. After that date press stopped reporting the arrests, yet unconfirmed information from the frontline suggested that number of arrested people reached 400 by 17 May.
People were taken from their homes or from the work places. The arrests were taking places without providing the accused with the lawyer, the imprisonment was happening without the court decisions. Journalists and editors reporting on these arrests were called into the Prosecutor general’s office to warn them against distribution of «state secrets».
On 16 May 2017 IPD already started receiving information about individuals tortured to death. Finally, was provided information about death of 11 people killed without investigation or trial. The information on the website of IPD:
https://www.ipd-az.org/law-enforcement-agencies-of-azerbaijan-sanction-murders/
and
The bodies were not passed to the families of the killed, they were buried, in such way, trying to prevent of seeing bodies mutilated under tortures.
However, some were managed to see the disfigured bodies of their loved ones.
In 2018 closed trials took place. Military prosecutor Khanlar Veliyev fabricated charges against 78 citizens of Azerbaijan Republic. IPD managed to receive only two verdicts:
- Verdict under No.1 (098) – 146/2018, issued by the Tartar Military Court on 9 July 2018, which sentenced 7 military to long term in prison – https://www.ipd-az.org/ru/the-trial-of-7-persons/
- Verdict under No. 1-1 (095)-163/2018, issued by the Ganja Military Court on 16 August 2018, which sentences Emil Aliyev to 12 years in prison – https://www.ipd-az.org/ru/another-unbased-accusation-of-change-of-the-homeland/
Currently, the names of 25 citizens who were convicted on trumped-up charges of treason, etc. are known.
GROUP № 6
Sentenced on “Ganja case” – 38 persons
60. Maarif Hajiev
Date of arrest: 10 July 2018
Charge: Articles 220.1 (Mass disorders) and 315.2 (Resistance or application of violence concerning the representative of authority) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 22 February 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 9 years in prison
Presiding judge: Natiq Aliyev
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Khagani Samadov
61. Shahlar Rzayev
Date of arrest: 10 July 2018
Charge: Articles 220.1 (Mass disorders) and 315.2 (Resistance or application of violence concerning the representative of authority) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 22 February 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 8,5 years in prison
Presiding judge: Natiq Aliyev
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Khagani Samadov
62. Ruslan Hasanov
Date of arrest: 10 July 2018
Charge: Articles 220.1 (Mass disorders) and 315.2 (Resistance or application of violence concerning the representative of authority) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 22 February 22, 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 8 years in prison
Presiding judge: Natiq Aliyev
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Khagani Samadov
63. Tural Bayramov
Date of arrest: 10 July 2018
Charge: Articles 220.1 (Mass disorders) and 315.2 (Resistance or application of violence concerning the representative of authority) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 22 February 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 8 years in prison
Presiding judge: Natiq Aliyev
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Khagani Samadov
64. Nizami Akbarov
Date of arrest: 10 July 2018
Charge: Articles 220.1 (Mass disorders) and 315.2 (Resistance or application of violence concerning the representative of authority) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 22 February 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 8 years in prison
Presiding judge: Natiq Aliyev
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Khagani Samadov
65. Kamal Maharramov
Date of arrest: 10 July 10, 2018
Charge: Articles 220.1 (Mass disorders) and 315.2 (Resistance or application of violence concerning the representative of authority) of the Criminal Code of the AR
Sentence: On 22 February 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 8,5 years in prison
Presiding judge: Natiq Aliyev
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Khagani Samadov
66. Araz Hasanov
Date of arrest: 10 July 2018
Charge: Articles 220.1 (Mass disorders) and 315.2 (Resistance or application of violence concerning the representative of authority) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 22 February 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 7,5 years in prison
Presiding judge: Natiq Aliyev
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Khagani Samadov
67. Togrul Verdiyev
Date of arrest: 10 July 2018
Charge: Articles 220.1 (Mass disorders) and 315.2 (Resistance or application of violence concerning the representative of authority) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 22 February 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 8 years in prison
Presiding judge: Natiq Aliyev
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Khagani Samadov
68. Orhan Yagnaliyev
Date of arrest: 10 July 2018
Charge: Articles 220.1 (Mass disorders) and 315.2 (Resistance or application of violence concerning the representative of authority) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 22 February 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 8,5 years in prison
Presiding judge: Natiq Aliyev
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Khagani Samadov
69. Seymur Aliyev
Date of arrest: 10 July 2018
Charge: Articles 220.1 (Mass disorders) and 315.2 (Resistance or application of violence concerning the representative of authority) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 22 February 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 8 years in prison
Presiding judge: Natiq Aliyev
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Khagani Samadov
70. Vagif Ashrafov
Date of arrest: 10 July 10, 2018
Charge: Articles 220.1 (Mass disorders) and 315.2 (Resistance or application of violence concerning the representative of authority) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 22 February 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 7,5 years in prison
Presiding judge: Natiq Aliyev
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Khagani Samadov
71. Sabuhi Rajabov
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Article 220.1 (Mass disorders) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 2 March 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 6 years in prison
Judge: Muhammad Bagirov
72. Elman Quliyev
Date of arrest: 11 July 2018
Charge: Article 220.1 (Mass disorders) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 2 March 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 8 years in prison
Judge: Muhammad Bagirov
73. Iruz Hajiyev
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Article 220.1 (Mass disorders) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 2 March 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 7 years in prison
Judge: Muhammad Bagirov
74. Kabir Azizov
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Article 220.1 (Mass disorders) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 2 March 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 5 years in prison
Judge: Muhammad Bagirov
75. Gulmirza Nurizade
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Article 220.1 (Mass disorders) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 2 March 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 6 years in prison
Judge: Muhammad Bagirov
76. Fikrat Mirzaliyev
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Article 220.1 (Mass disorders) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 2 March 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 6 years in prison
Judge: Muhammad Bagirov
77. Yavar Ismayilzade
Date of arrest: 10 July 2018
Charge: Articles 220.1 (Mass disorders) and 315.2 (Resistance or application of violence concerning the representative of authority) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 15 March 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 9 years in prison
Presiding judge: Elmin Rustamov
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Eldar Ismayilov
78. Zabil Mammadov
Date of arrest: 10 July 2018
Charge: Articles 220.1 (Mass disorders) and 315.2 (Resistance or application of violence concerning the representative of authority) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 15 March 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 8,5 years in prison
Presiding judge: Elmin Rustamov
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Eldar Ismayilov
79. Qanbar Qarazade
Date of arrest: 10 July 2018
Charge: Articles 220.1 (Mass disorders) and 315.2 (Resistance or application of violence concerning the representative of authority) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 15 March 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 7,5 years in prison
Presiding judge: Elmin Rustamov
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Eldar Ismayilov
80. Alim Yusifov
Date of arrest: 10 July 2018
Charge: Article 220.1 (Mass disorders) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 15 March 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 7,5 years in prison
Presiding judge: Elmin Rustamov
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Eldar Ismayilov
81. Elman Rustamov
Date of arrest: 10 July 2018
Charge: Articles 220.1 (Mass disorders) and 315.2 (Resistance or application of violence concerning the representative of authority) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 1 March 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 8 years in prison
Presiding judge: Khagani Samadov
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Emin Rustamov
82. Urfan Mammadov
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Articles 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 29, 120.2.1, 29, 120.2.3, 29, 120.2.7, 29,
120.2.11, 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.6, 220.1, 228.3, 228.4, 278.2, 279.1-1, 281.2 and 315.2 of the
Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 19 September 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 18 years in prison
Presiding judge: Khagani Samadov
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Emin Rustamov
83. Oqtay Huseynzade
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Articles 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 29, 120.2.1, 29, 120.2.3, 29, 120.2.7, 29,
120.2.11, 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.6, 220.1, 228.3, 228.4, 278.2, 279.1-1, 281.2 and 315.2 of the
Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 19 September 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 18 years in prison
Presiding judge: Khagani Samadov
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Mahmud Agalarov
84. Abbas Abbasov
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Articles 228.1, 234.1 and 307.3 of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 19 September 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 7 years in prison
Presiding judge: Khagani Samadov
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Mahmud Agalarov
85. Elshan Mammadov
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Articles 228.1, 234.1 and 307.3 of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 19 September 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 7 years in prison
Presiding judge: Khagani Samadov
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Mahmud Agalarov
86. Rauf Bayramov
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Articles 228.1, 228.4, 234.1 and 307.3 of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 19 September 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 9 years in prison
Presiding judge: Khagani Samadov
Judges: Faiq Mahmudov, Mahmud Agalarov
87. Kamal Guliyev
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Articles 228.1, 234.1 and 307.3 of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 10 January 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 4 years and 11 months in prison
Presiding judge: Elchin Khasmammadov
88. Raul Suleymanov
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Articles 228.1, 234.1 and 307.3 of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 10 January 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 4 years and 5 months in prison
Presiding judge: Elchin Khasmammadov
89. Vugar Allahverdiyev
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Articles 228.1, 234.1 and 307.3 of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 10 January 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 5 years in prison
Presiding judge: Elchin Khasmammadov
90. Samir Ibrahimov
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Articles 228.1, 234.1 and 307.3 of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 10 January 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 6 years in prison
Presiding judge: Elchin Khasmammadov
91. Khayal Qafarov
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Articles 228.1, 234.1 and 307.3 of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 10 January 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison
Presiding judge: Elchin Khasmammadov
92. Ali Rzayev
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Articles 228.1, 234.1 and 307.3 of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 10 January 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison
Presiding judge: Elchin Khasmammadov
93. Bahram Aliyev
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Articles 29.120.2.1; 29.120.2.3; 29.120.2.7; 29.120.2.10; 220.1; 228.4 and 315.2 of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 10 January 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 16 years in prison
Presiding judge: Emin Rustamov
94. Habib Qurbanov
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Articles 29.120.2.1; 29.120.2.3; 29.120.2.7; 29.120.2.10; 220.1; 228.4 and 315.2 of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: On 10 January 2019 the Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 15 years in prison
Presiding judge: Emin Rustamov
95. Mirza Huseynov
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Articles 29.120.2.1; 29.120.2.3; 29.120.2.7; 29.120.2.10; 220.1; 228.4 and 315.2 of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 8 years in prison
Presiding judge: Emin Rustamov
96. Asif Javadov
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Articles 29.120.2.1; 29.120.2.3; 29.120.2.7; 29.120.2.10; 220.1; 228.4 and 315.2 of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 7 years in prison
Presiding judge: Emin Rustamov
97. Vugar Yusifov
Date of arrest: 12 July 2018
Charge: Articles 29.120.2.1; 29.120.2.3; 29.120.2.7; 29.120.2.10; 220.1; 228.4 and 315.2 of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
Sentence: Ganja Grave Crimes Court sentenced to 6 years in prison
Presiding judge: Emin Rustamov
Conclusion:
On 3 July 2018 there was assassination attempt on the Chief of the Executive Power Elmar Valiyev. Ganja born Yunis Safarov wounded him and his body guard.
The name Yunis Safarov became well-known in Republic, after his photos were widespread on 3-4 July, at social networks, on which Safarov was lying on the floor, there were a lot of blood near him and on him, and there were traces of tortures on his body. Photos became evidence that Y. Safarov was beaten and brutally tortured.
After this, protest action against arbitrariness of the authorities was scheduled to 10 July, in front of Ganja City administration and widespread via social networks.
On 10 July Ministry of Internal Affairs informed about the disorders in Ganja, during which two police colonels were killed. Noteworthy, those were exactly two police colonels, who on July 3rd, did not allow Elmar Valiyev’s son to kill Yunis Safarov… It is also important to pay attention, that the killing of the colonels took place without any intervention of police, the killer came to the square with a dragger in his hand, and he also left it easily. State Security Service and Ministry of Internal Affairs started mass arrest among the believers. 77 people were arrested, attracted to criminal responsibility. 8 more persons were killed during “armed resistance”
All the detainees on “Ganja case” were divided into groups. One of the first verdicts was passed on 22 February 2019. Ganja City Court on Grave Crimes sentenced the group of the accused, consisting of 11 people. On 1 March and 15 March 2019, there were also the passing of the verdicts.
Analysis of the indicated judicial proceedings demonstrated that all verdicts are unlawful, groundless, unjust and passed in accordance with political order. Court ignored the absence of any proofs of the guilt of the defendants on pressed charges against them; court did not investigate numerous complaints on the facts of tortures that accused were subjected to; court crudely violated the national legislation of the Azerbaijan Republic: Article 28 and 46 of the Constitution of the AR, Article 13 and 21.2 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Azerbaijan Republic; also the norms of international law: Article 6 (2), 5 (1), 3 of European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Article 5 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, also the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Thus, judicial proceedings and verdicts demonstrated the full absence of the judicial independence and their execution of the political order during sentencing on so called “Ganja case”.
GROUP № 7
LIFE TERM SENTENCED – 14 persons
Former Special Police Detachment (SPD) members – 6 persons
98. Elchin Samad oglu Amiraslanov
Date of arrest: 10 December 1996
Sentence: in 1996 was sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonment
Place of detention: Gobustan Closed Prison
99. Arif Nasir oglu Kazimov
Sentence: in 1996 was sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonment
Place of detention: Gobustan Closed Prison
100. Dayanat Karim oglu Karimov
Sentence: in 1994 was sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonment
Place of detention: Gobustan Closed Prison
101. Hasan Huseyn oglu Mustafayev
Sentence: in 1996 was sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonment
Place of detention: Gobustan Closed Prison
102. Safa Alim oglu Poladov
Sentence: in 1996 was sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonment.
Place of detention: Gobustan Closed Prison
103. Aliyusif Damat oglu Tahirov
Sentence: in 1996 was sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonment
Place of detention: Gobustan Closed Prison
Former members of the military detachment Qaranqush – 3 persons
104. Intiqam Yusif oglu Qayibov
Sentence: in 1996 was sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonment
Place of detention: Gobustan Closed Prison
105. Sahib Nuraddin oglu Mammadaliyev
Sentence: in 1993 was sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonment
Place of detention: Gobustan Closed Prison
106. Yashar Hasay oglu Shahmuradov
Sentence: in 1993 was sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonment.
Place of detention: Gobustan Closed Prison
Convicted on the case of the former Prime Minister
Surat Huseynov – 5 persons
107. Rashid Nurulla oglu Ismayilov
Sentence: in 1998 was sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonment
Place of detention: Gobustan Closed Prison
108. Karimov Karamat Pasha oglu
Sentence: – in 1997 was sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonment
Place of detention: Gobustan Closed Prison
109. Mustafayev Elshad Teyyub oglu
Sentence: – in 1995 was sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonment
Place of detention: Gobustan Closed Prison
110. Mustafayev Maqsud Teyyub oglu
Sentence: – in 1995 was sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonment
Place of detention: Gobustan Closed Prison
111. Huseynov Maqsud Vaqif oglu
Sentence: – in 1994 was sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonment
Place of detention: Gobustan Closed Prison
Conclusion:
In 1993-1997 the ruling regime of Azerbaijan condemned a large group of veterans of Karabakh conflict – soldiers and police officers for political reasons to death under the Criminal Code approved by the law of the Azerbaijan SSR on December 08, 1960. All convicts were tortured, some died in prison before the trial.
On 10 February 1998, the Parliament of the Azerbaijan Republic adopted the law “On amending the Criminal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code, and the Correction-Labor Code”, to abolish the death penalty in Azerbaijan. Article 4 of this law stated that the punishment of persons sentenced to the death penalty prior to the law taking force, shall be replaced with a sentence of life imprisonment. In fact, death penalty was replaced with a type of punishment that was not enshrined in any legislation at the time.
The new Criminal Code of Azerbaijan Republic, which provides for the punishment of life imprisonment, entered into force in 2000. The old Criminal Code, which was in force until 2000, did not provide for life imprisonment, but for the death penalty and a maximum term of 15 years of imprisonment. Therefore, all persons sentenced to the death penalty before 2000 should have to replace the penalty to 15 years of imprisonment or to judge again.
It is not legally lawful for them to replaced the death penalty for life imprisonment without trial and a court verdict on the basis of a decision of Parliament. When Azerbaijan joined to the Council of Europe in 2001, the Institute for Peace and Democracy (Director Leyla Yunus) presented a list of 716 political prisoners to the CoE experts. This list included also mentioned above 14 people. All of them were found for political motives.