Azerbaijani Official Questioned in Big Probe

Fuad Qahramanli

Fuad Qahramanli, who is the Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party, was asked to come in for questioning by Azerbaijan's State Security Service. This is happening as part of a criminal probe related to Ramiz Mehdiyev, who used to run the Presidential Administration for a long time. Qahramanli mentioned on social media that he was contacted by the Investigation Department and asked to give his side of the story about the Mehdiyev situation.

Qahramanli is living in another country right now. He said he can only answer questions over the phone. He doesn't think he should be involved in anything connected to Mehdiyev, since it's not right. When Mehdiyev was in charge, Qahramanli was charged with crimes four times that he says were political. He believes that what he has already written about Mehdiyev in public has all the details that the investigators need.

This questioning is part of a series of legal steps connected to a case that started last October. This case involves claims of a coup attempt. Ramiz Mehdiyev is now under house arrest. Other important people in politics are facing stricter punishments. On December 1, Ali Kerimli, who is the APFP Chairman, and Mammad Ibrahim, a party member, were arrested after their houses were searched. They will be held for over two months.

Several other politicians are also being looked into. Jamil Hasanli, who heads the National Council, was summoned and questioned two times. Gultakin Hajibeyli was stopped in Turkey, waiting to be sent back to Azerbaijan. Also, there is a search warrant out for Abbas Abbasov, who used to be the Deputy Prime Minister. Mehdiyev and Abbasov haven't said anything about the accusations yet, but the opposition members deny everything. They say they are being attacked because of their political work.