This week saw significant developments, including the ongoing trial of Fazil Gasimov, the announcement on the fate of Muhyiddin Orujov and cancellation of Bloomberg’s accreditation.
Fazil Gasimov’s Trial Nears Its Conclusion, 10-Year Sentence Requested
On February 28, the trial of Fazil Gasimov, a doctoral student at Istanbul University and accused accomplice in the case against economist Gubad Ibadoghlu, continued amid tense court proceedings. Gasimov, who was forcibly brought to court, refused to participate in the hearing, citing objections to the composition of the judicial panel. His lawyer, Fuad Aghayev, reiterated his stance, requesting a different court to handle the case. The prosecutor presented the case, requesting a 10-year sentence for Gasimov on charges of counterfeit currency distribution. A lighter sentence of 6 years was requested for Anar Aliyev, another defendant in the case, for cooperating with the authorities during the investigation. The next hearing is scheduled for March 7.
Gasimov and his co-defendants have denied all charges, claiming the allegations of counterfeit currency against them are unfounded. They assert that their arrests are politically motivated, stemming from their association with Ibadoghlu’s activism.
Mohyaddin Orujov Sentenced to 3 Years for Worker Rights Advocacy
In a separate case, Mohyaddin Orujov, a member of the Workers’ Desk Trade Union Confederation, was sentenced to three years in prison on February 25. Orujov, who had been an advocate for workers’ rights, particularly those employed at power substations, was arrested in December 2023 for possession of 3.2 grams of narcotics. While the court dropped the more serious drug trafficking charges, Orujov was convicted of possession. Orujov and other activists maintain that their arrests are retaliation for their efforts to highlight labor rights violations and defend workers against exploitation.
This case is part of a broader pattern of harsh sentences against young activists involved in labor movements. Four other members of the Workers’ Desk are currently imprisoned, including Afiyaddin Mammadov, who received an 8-year sentence.
Bloomberg’s Journalistic Accreditation Revoked
The accreditation of Bloomberg’s correspondent in Azerbaijan has been revoked, following the previous revocation of accreditations for BBC News, Sputnik, and Voice of America journalists. According to a report from “Report” citing its sources, this move comes after a statement from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in December 2024, where he emphasized that Azerbaijan’s media receives no foreign funding, specifically denying any financial support from the United States. He also criticized foreign outlets like Voice of America and Radio Free Europe for allegedly undermining Azerbaijan’s victory over Armenia.
