Witnesses Give Conflicting Accounts in Activist Ahmad Mammadli's Trial

Ahmad Mammadli

On December 4th, the trial of public activist Ahmad Mammadli, founder of Yoldaş Media, continued at the Baku Court of Grave Crimes. Witnesses were questioned, and reports from both the Defense Committee and those present in the courtroom suggest their statements didn't align and, in some cases, incriminated themselves.

Mammadli, who denies all accusations, stated in court that the random passengers in the taxi where the supposed incident occurred knew each other before. Even so, the witnesses denied any prior acquaintance.

Elchin Sadigov, Mammadli’s lawyer, questioned the witnesses: If you didn't know each other before getting in the taxi, how come you are friends on social media? It also came out during questioning that both witnesses were from the same town in Nakhchivan, which they said was pure chance.

Those observing the court proceedings believe the contradictions suggest the case is built on a staged event. They pointed out the awful situation where such a made-up show is needed to detain a young activist.

Background and Mammadli's Story

Ahmad Mammadli was arrested on May 6, 2025, and detained on May 8. He is charged with intentionally causing grave harm (Article 126.2.4) and using a weapon in hooliganism (Article 221.3) against Vugar Dunyamaliyev, supposedly giving him knife wounds in the abdomen. Mammadli could face up to 11 years in prison.

Mammadli says the charges are false. He claims his arrest is politically motivated and linked to his work as a journalist and activist.

Mammadli said in a prior session that his arrest was staged. After the taxi stopped in a blind spot, someone waiting outside pulled him out and threw him down. Then, the alleged victim, Vugar, began to attack him. Mammadli says he was tortured (using electric shock) and police questioned him about his media ties. From the police car, he saw officers throw a knife on the ground while Vugar pretended to collapse and scream for the cameras that were recording.