New charges brought against Azerbaijani human rights defender Mamedli

Investigators have brought final charges against Anar Mamedli, an Azerbaijani human rights defender, under five criminal articles. The case has been sent to court; his defence insists on Mamedli’s innocence.

The preliminary investigation into Anar Mamedli’s case has been completed; and the case has been referred to the Baku Court of Grave Crimes chaired by Judge Aigyun Gurbanova. The preparatory hearing is scheduled for May 26, Djavad Djavadov, Anar’s advocate, told the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent.

“Investigators failed to prove Mamedli’s guilt.”

According to the advocate, following the investigation, Mamedli has been charged, apart from smuggling, with illegal entrepreneurship, legalization of illegally obtained property, tax evasion as a member of an organized grouping, and document forgery. The defence believes that investigators have failed to prove Mamedli’s guilt; and the defence will insist on terminating his criminal prosecution.

Djavad Djavadov has noted that Mamedli is still not receiving the needed efficient medical care. In particular, he is denied examination and treatment at a specialized civilian clinic.

The prosecution officials were unavailable for comments. A source from the Baku Court of Grave Crimes has confirmed the date of the hearing in the Mamedli’s case to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Anar Abdulla, another defendant in the Mamedli’s case, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that he wouldn’t plead guilty to the charges brought against him.

This was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on May 19, 2025 at 02:05 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.