Imishli Protesters Sentenced Amidst Unanswered Questions on Police Accountability

Imishli, Azerbaijan

In a development that underscores ongoing tensions, 19 individuals have received sentences ranging from imprisonment to restricted freedom for their involvement in protests that followed a tragic traffic accident in Imishli on January 18, 2025. The incident, which involved a State Traffic Police (STP) vehicle, resulted in the deaths of three schoolchildren and ignited significant public outrage.

The verdicts were delivered on July 3 by Judge Zaur Pirverdiyev at the Imishli District Court, where the individuals faced charges of hooliganism.

The catalyst for the protests was a devastating road accident on January 18. An STP service vehicle, reportedly traveling at high speed on Shadlinski Street, collided with another vehicle before veering onto the sidewalk, striking four schoolchildren. Two children died instantly at the scene, while the other two were rushed to the hospital. Tragically, one of the hospitalized minors succumbed to their injuries on January 22. The police driver also sustained injuries.

Footage of the accident released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) showed a "Mercedes-Benz 190" pulling out in front of the police car. However, the repeated slowing of the video made it impossible to ascertain the police vehicle's speed. The 17-year-old driver of the "Mercedes-Benz 190" was subsequently detained, accused of stealing the vehicle from a relative.

The high speed attributed to the police vehicle and the tender age of the victims fueled immense anger among the local populace. Hundreds of residents, particularly young people, immediately took to the streets. The protests escalated as an enraged crowd overturned the police vehicle and marched towards the Imishli District Police Department, demanding "resignation."

In response to the demonstrations, the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced the arrest of protesters on "hooliganism" charges. Social media reports indicated that over 100 individuals were detained for their alleged roles in attacking and overturning the police vehicle and confronting officers. Initially, many faced administrative arrests of up to one month under Article 510 (petty hooliganism) and Article 535.1 (disobeying a lawful demand of a police officer) of the Code of Administrative Offenses.

By January 22, the Imishli District Court ordered three-month pre-trial detentions for those accused of hooliganism during the protests, with charges later formalized under Article 221.2.1. (Hooliganism – committed by a group of persons) of the Criminal Code.

The aftermath saw Imishli city placed under a heightened security regime, with police guarding administrative buildings, parks, and squares. Social media accounts even reported the deployment of internal troops and road closures. Local residents also claimed that internet access was cut off during this period, and some detainees allegedly endured severe torture, leading to hospitalizations.

On July 3, the court delivered its verdicts for 19 individuals. Eight received imprisonment sentences:

Nazim Aliyev: 1 year imprisonment (conditional, under Article 70 of the Criminal Code)

Taleh Mammadov: 4 years imprisonment

Ruslan Guliyev: 2 years imprisonment

Kenan Mejdunov: 4 years imprisonment

Rahib Rzayev: 4 years imprisonment

Sanan Aliyev: 1 year and 6 months imprisonment

Elkhan Azimov: 1 year and 6 months imprisonment

Abbas Baghirov: 1 year and 6 months imprisonment

Additionally, 11 individuals were sentenced to restriction of freedom:

Canpolad Aliyev: 1 year restriction of freedom

Huseyn Jabbarli: 3 years restriction of freedom

Elman Ibrahimov: 1 year restriction of freedom

Vugar Usublu: 2 years restriction of freedom

Rahib Taghiyev: 3 years restriction of freedom

Farid Seyidzade: 3 years restriction of freedom

Goshgar Mammadov: 3 years restriction of freedom

Eldar Aghazade: 1 year restriction of freedom

Elnur Babayev: 2 years restriction of freedom

Rasif Babayev: 4 years restriction of freedom

Shamil Safarov: 2 years restriction of freedom

Despite the sentencing of the protesters, a significant aspect of the incident remains unresolved: Official sources have provided no information regarding whether the State Traffic Police officer who was driving the vehicle and caused the fatal accident has been held accountable. This silence is compounded by social media claims suggesting the officer is the nephew of former deputy and millionaire Ahad Ahmadov. The lack of transparency from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other official bodies regarding the police officer's responsibility continues to be a major point of contention and concern for the public.