The individual responsible for Azər Qasımlı's arrest has also initiated legal action against his wife

Samira Qasımlı

Samira Qasımlı, the wife of the jailed politician Azer Qasımlı, who also serves as the director of the Institute of Political Management, is facing a private prosecution.

She stated that Qurbanəli Yusifov, the person who filed the complaint against Azer Qasımlı, has now brought charges against her under Article 147.1 of the Criminal Code.

"This afternoon, I received an SMS notification on my phone indicating that a case has been registered against me at the Binəqədi District Court as a private prosecution," Samirə Qasımlı recounted. "Upon accessing the electronic system, I found out that Qurbanəli Yusifov, the individual who testified against Azər Qasımlı, is accusing me of defamation under Article 147.1 of the Criminal Code."

Azer Qasımlı, director of the Institute of Political Management, was taken into custody on December 8, 2024.

Azer Qasımlı stands accused of extorting money through threats from Qurbanəli Yusifov, who has been identified as the victim. However, his lawyers have pointed out that a legally enforceable court decision exists, confirming that Yusifov owed money to Azər Qasımlı.

The politician was charged under Article 182.2.3 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to extortion carried out with threats and the application of force.

On March 11, during a court proceeding chaired by Judge Elmin Rustamov at the Baku Court for Serious Crimes, Azər Qasımlı was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Azer Qasımlı has maintained that his arrest was politically motivated and that the charges brought against him are basel