Controversy Surrounds Political Analyst Azer Gasimli's Extortion Trial: Defense Cites Civil Dispute, Alleges Political Motivation

Azer Gasimli

Baku, Azerbaijan – A preliminary hearing in the high-profile case of detained political analyst Azer Gasimli, head of the Institute of Political Management, took place on June 25 at the Baku Grave Crimes Court. Gasimli, who denies charges of extortion, remains in custody as his legal team strongly asserts that the case is a civil dispute and that his arrest is politically motivated due to his socio-political activities and criticism of the government.

Presided over by Judge Telman Huseynov, the court session saw Gasimli's lawyers make several key requests, including his release to house arrest and the dismissal of the criminal case, arguing that no criminal offense had occurred. These motions were denied, with the court scheduling the next hearing for July 2.

Gasimli was initially detained on December 8, 2024, and charged under Article 182.2.3 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to extortion with threats and the use of force. His pre-trial detention was further extended by two months on April 3.

At the heart of the defense's argument is a long-standing financial dispute between Gasimli and Gurbanali Yusifov, the individual recognized as the victim in the current criminal proceedings. Lawyer Agil Layij revealed that a civil court battle between the two has been ongoing for several years. Layij stated, "Allegedly, Azer Gasimli threatened to kill him and his family and demanded money. However, in the process of Azer Gasimli's civil lawsuit at the Mingachevir City Court, Yusifov himself admitted his debt. The court also granted the claim." This civil ruling was later overturned by an appellate instance due to a VAT issue, transferring the case to a commercial court where, according to Layij, Yusifov again admitted the debt in the Sheki Commercial Court.