Azerbaijani diplomat Gasanov denies charges in court

All projects were coordinated at the highest official level, former Azerbaijani ambassador Eldar Gasanov told the court in connection with accusations of misappropriation of funds. At the court hearing, he felt bad, and the judge postponed the hearing.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that Eldar Gasanov faces up to 10 years of imprisonment. The defence asked to release Eldar Gasanov in connection with the deterioration of his health, but the Prosecutor’s Office stated that the defendant had no diseases that would make his arrest impossible. The court hearing on September 3 was interrupted due to the deterioration of the Eldar Gasanov’s health, but the court refused to change the pre-trial restriction measure.

Advocates again filed a motion for Eldar Gasanov’s release in connection with his severe health condition. According to the defence, he needs hospitalization.

“His life is in grave danger ... Therefore, we asked the court to replace the pre-trial restriction measure with house arrest,” advocate Adem Mamedov explained.

Eldar Gasanov also asked the court to conduct an investigation behind closed doors, since the facts revealed could damage the Azerbaijan’s relations with the countries where he stayed as an ambassador and the country’s international image. However, the court dismissed the request.

Human rights defender Emin Guseinov considers the accusations of misappropriation of budget funds by Eldar Gasanov as ridiculous. “Eldar Gasanov was considered the richest man. He spent his funds to win over representatives of the highest authorities, and he generously financed the improvement of parks and the erection of monuments to Heydar Aliev in the countries of his residence: Romania and Serbia,” Emin Guseinov noted.