Imprisoned public figure Bakhtiyar Hajiyev has been hit with yet another accusation.
He is now facing new charges under Article 213.1 (tax evasion) of the Criminal Code. His attorney, Elchin Sadigov, revealed this development to Meydan TV.
The attorney stated that Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, just like the previous allegations, denies any involvement in tax evasion. He maintains that the accusations are baseless.
Sadigov also pointed out that the legal investigation period prescribed for Bakhtiyar Hajiyev’s case has expired. Nevertheless, new charges have been brought against him.
Elchin Sadigov, too, deems the tax evasion allegations groundless.
Bakhtiyar Hajiyev was detained in December 2022, facing accusations under Articles 221.2.2 (resisting an official in the performance of their duties in the protection of public order) and 289.1 (disrespect towards the court) of the Criminal Code. An incident was alleged to have taken place in the Yasamal District Court between him and blogger Ulviyya Alovlu.
On June 16th, new charges were brought against him, primarily related to financial matters, particularly the misappropriation of allocated grants. He has also been charged under various articles of the Criminal Code, including 192 (illegal entrepreneurship), 193-1 (legalizing property obtained by criminal means), 206 (smuggling), and 320 (use of forged documents).
Bakhtiyar Hajiyev maintains his innocence, claiming that he is being unjustly targeted and that he was imprisoned at the behest of Interior Minister Vilayat Eyvazov following his critical remarks against the minister.
