Azerbaijani Veteran Activist Sentenced to Two and a Half Years in Prison

Haci Valiyev

The Tovuz District Court made a decision about Haci Valiyev, the chairman of the "Young Veterans" Public Union. This union is not active anymore. Haci Valiyev is also a known advocate for war survivors. The court sentenced him to two years and six months in prison. This decision was made on May 6. Haci Valiyev and his supporters think this is a move.

Haci Valiyev is a veteran of the Second Karabakh War. He lost an eye during this war. The court found him guilty of being a hooligan with a weapon. This is according to Article 221.3 of the Criminal Code. During the trial the court dropped another charge. This charge was about destroying property on purpose. The final sentence is less than the three years the state prosecutor asked for.

Haci Valiyev became famous because of his social media presence. He often talked about the problems veterans and families of fallen soldiers face. He had trouble with the law after he posted a video on March 18 2024. In this video he said the police were brutal to veterans who were selling things on the street in Bakus Yasamal district. After he posted this video he was arrested on March 31 2024.

After Haci Valiyev was arrested the "Young Veterans" Public Union stopped its activities. This union was formed in 2021 to help Karabakh survivors. They said they stopped because of "subjective reasons."

Haci Valiyev says he is not guilty. He thinks he is in prison because he criticized government officials and fought for the rights of servicemen. In a letter from prison he said the legal action against him is a "thought-provoking message to society". This message is about how the country treats people who got hurt while serving. Haci Valiyev went on a hunger strike to protest the trial. He stopped the strike because of health problems.

Haci Valiyevs family and supporters think the courts decision is unfair. They think this is especially true because Haci Valiyev is disabled and has problems with his eye.