AXCP Leader’s Bodyguard Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison

Niyaməddin Əhmədov, a member of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (AXCP) and public bodyguard of party chairman Əli Kərimli, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison. The verdict was delivered on October 8, 2021, by the Baku Court of Grave Crimes under the chairmanship of Judge Siyavuş Hacıyev. The prosecutor had initially demanded a 15-year sentence.

Trial and Verdict

The trial, lasting seven months, concluded with Əhmədov being found guilty under the following articles of the Criminal Code:

• Article 214-1: Financing of terrorism

• Article 28.281: Preparation for public calls against the state

• Article 233-1: Acquisition and possession of items prohibited from civil circulation

The charges stemmed from alleged connections with Qabil Məmmədov, a political activist who sought asylum in Germany. The prosecution asserted that Əhmədov and Məmmədov conspired to disseminate videos calling for violent changes to the constitutional order and to fund activities supporting these aims. The court also alleged that Əhmədov acquired prohibited surveillance equipment for covert documentation. Both Əhmədov and Məmmədov denied these accusations, and the AXCP condemned the charges as politically motivated.

Before the verdict was announced, several AXCP activists, including women, were detained near the court building, and some were forcefully removed from the area. Activist Fuad Əhmədli was detained for 30 days on administrative charges. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has not commented on these detentions.

Appeal and Upholding of Sentence

Following the initial verdict, Əhmədov's defense team, led by lawyer Zibeydə Sadıqova, filed an appeal, deeming the ruling illegal and unsubstantiated. However, on March 2, 2022, the Baku Court of Appeal upheld the 13-year prison sentence. Əhmədov's father, Arif Əhmədov, condemned the decision as unjust and politically motivated, vowing to continue seeking justice through the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights.

Hunger Strike and Health Concerns

In protest against the verdict, Niyaməddin Əhmədov went on a hunger strike for 15 days, declaring that he had been unjustly sentenced and had no connection to the alleged crimes. Despite his father's pleas to end the strike, Əhmədov insisted on continuing. The Penitentiary Service has not issued any statements regarding his health during or after the strike.

Continued Imprisonment and Punishment Cell Placement

Since April 2020, Əhmədov has been imprisoned, initially on charges of violating quarantine regulations. Shortly after completing a one-month administrative detention, new criminal charges were brought against him. On March 3, 2025, AXCP Chairman Əli Kərimli reported that Əhmədov had been placed in a punishment cell at Correctional Facility No. 7 for five days, marking yet another instance of his harsh treatment during imprisonment. The Penitentiary Service has not responded to these allegations.

Torture Allegations

Throughout his detention, Əhmədov has repeatedly alleged that he was subjected to torture aimed at coercing false statements against AXCP and its leader. His father echoed these claims, condemning the authorities for their inhumane treatment. Complaints filed with the prosecutor's office regarding the alleged torture have reportedly not been investigated.

Political Motivations

The AXCP and numerous human rights activists have consistently maintained that the charges against Əhmədov were fabricated to punish him for his political affiliation and his role as a bodyguard to Əli Kərimli. AXCP asserts that the government seeks to intimidate opposition figures and silence dissent through politically motivated prosecutions. Despite the lack of evidence presented in court, the authorities continue to dismiss claims of political bias and mistreatment.

Conclusion

As the legal battle continues, the AXCP has vowed to appeal to higher courts, including international human rights organizations. Supporters of Əhmədov remain adamant that his conviction is a deliberate attempt to suppress political opposition in Azerbaijan.