Detention of Lawyer Z. Gahramanov Extended by Another 2 Months

Zabil Gahramanov

The investigative body has submitted a motion to extend the detention of Azerbaijani lawyer Zabil Gahramanov for an additional two months. Both Gahramanov and his defense team protested the extension.

During the proceedings at the Sabail District Court in Baku, the representative of the investigation justified the need for the extension by stating that, if released, Gahramanov "might flee" and "influence participants in the legal process."

However, Gahramanov and his lawyers pointed out the groundlessness of these claims and the overall charges against the legal professional. Nevertheless, the Sabail Court granted the investigative body's motion and extended Gahramanov's custody for another two months. On January 19, the defense filed an appeal against the court's decision to extend the detention period.

On October 25, the Ganja City Court chose a restrictive measure against lawyer Zabil Gahramanov in the form of arrest for a period of 3 months.

Gahramanov faces charges under Articles 221.2.2 (hooliganism committed with resistance to a representative of authority or another person) and 178.2.4 (fraud committed with the infliction of significant damage) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan. Under these articles, Gahramanov faces a punishment of up to 7 years in prison.

Gahramanov has served as defense counsel in several high-profile cases, including the case of Ilkin Suleymanov (accused of kidnapping and murdering 11-year-old Narmin Guliyeva) and Polad Ismayilov (sentenced to 11 years for murder and later acquitted after four years). He has also represented the interests of Sahib Mammedzade, Shahin Hajiyev, and other opposition figures.