Critic of Azeri authorities charged in absentia with terrorism

The investigation into the case of the blogger, Gabil Mamedov, who lives in Germany, has been completed in Baku. The political emigrant, known for his criticism of Azerbaijani authorities, has been charged with terrorism, fraud and other crimes.

Blogger Gabil Mamedov was among six political emigrants who were summoned this March by the Azerbaijani General Prosecutor’s Office (GPO) for investigative actions within criminal cases. Bloggers Gurban Mamedov, Tural Sadygly, Mukhammed Mirzali, Elshad Mamedov and Ilgar Gadjiev, an entrepreneur and a former head of the “Akkord”, a large Azerbaijani company, were also summoned to Baku.

Cases have been opened against them under various articles of the Criminal Code, including "fraud", "public calls against the state", "attempt to violently seize power", "calls for mass unrest", "terrorism" and others. The GPO failed to provide any details.

On June 20, the “Meydan TV” reported in its website that the Azeri GPO had completed the inquiry into the criminal case of Gabil Mamedov, a blogger living in Germany, who is known for criticizing Azerbaijani authorities.

Gabil Mamedov is charged with terrorism, fraud, extortion with threats, resisting a state official, and organizing public order violations.

A verdict in absentia is possible.

Investigators have stated that Gabil Mamedov and his assigned advocate will be able since Monday, June 23, to study the case materials. "Gabil Mamedov was explained that if he fails to appear for the investigation, the materials collected by the GPO’s Investigating Department on the basis of the relevant article of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan can be transferred to the court. In this case, a verdict in absentia or other final court ruling may be issued," the investigators’ position is quoted in the report.

None of the six emigrants summoned by the GPO back in March has appeared for questioning; after which, by the ruling of the Binagadi District Court, the freedom restriction measure in the form of arrest was chosen for them, the report informs.

This was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on June 21, 2025 at 08:52 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.