Azer Gasimli’s Trial Continues in Baku: Is It a Political Case or Extortion?

Azer Gasimli

The trial of Azer Gasimli, a politician and head of the Institute of Political Management, went on November 12 at the Baku Court of Grave Crimes, with Judge Telman Ismayilov presiding.

Gasimli was arrested on December 8, 2024, and is charged with extortion involving threats, as stated in Article 182.2.3 of the Criminal Code. Gasimli denies these charges, saying they are made up and politically driven.

The case revolves around a dispute over money involving Gurbanali Yusifov, who allegedly owed Gasimli money. Yusifov had signed a receipt agreeing to pay back the debt in installments. Yusifov had said in court that he signed the receipt because he was being forced.

During the November 12 session, the court listened to two witnesses:

Defense Witness Testimony (Nariman Ismayil)

Nariman Ismayil, who works at Gasimli's institute, said that he was present when the debt receipt was signed and didn't see any tension or threats. He mentioned that after the document was signed, he had a meal with Yusifov, who didn't say anything about being threatened. Ismayil asked Yusifov directly, “If you were really being threatened, why didn't you say something then?” Yusifov didn't answer.

Friend of the Victim Testimony (Fikrat Mammadov)

Fikrat Mammadov, a friend of Gurbanali Yusifov, gave testimony that wasn't consistent. Mammadov admitted that Yusifov owed Gasimli money but gave different versions of the threat. In court, Mammadov said Yusifov told him, “Azer Gasimli is bothering me,” which the witness told the judge meant threatening. Gasimli's lawyer, Rovshana Rahimli, questioned Mammadov about the differences between what he said during the initial investigation and what he said in court, but Mammadov couldn't give a clear answer.

Argument in the Courtroom

The session had a short argument between Yusifov and Mammadov. Mammadov claimed he only knew Yusifov from when they were in school. Yusifov interrupted, asking, If we weren't close, why did you get a lawyer for me?” Mammadov denied getting the lawyer, which led to a brief exchange.

The next court hearing is scheduled for November 19. Human rights advocates mention that Gasimli was arrested for 30 days in 2018 for leading a protest and is seen as a political prisoner by some groups. They say there are 392 political prisoners in Azerbaijan.