Baku: The Sabail District Court in Baku has decided on a criminal case involving Ramiz Mehdiyev, a current member of the Security Council and former head of the Presidential Administration. The court has imposed house arrest as a preventive measure for four months while the State Security Service continues its investigation.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Ramiz Mehdiyev faces serious charges under the Criminal Code, including Article 278.1, which pertains to acts aimed at seizing state power through violence or altering the constitutional system. This charge could lead to a significant prison sentence, ranging from twelve to twenty years or even life imprisonment.

Additionally, Mehdiyev is charged with treason under Article 274, involving actions against the sovereignty and security of Azerbaijan, potentially punishable by similar terms. The final charge under Article 193-1.3.2 relates to the legalization of property obtained through criminal means, specifically involving amounts exceeding fifty thousand manats. This charge carries a possible penalty of seven to twelve years in prison.

Ramiz Mehdiyev, a member of the Security Council since October 2019, holds several honorary titles and state awards, including the “Istiglal,” “Shohrat,” “Sharaf,” and Heydar Aliyev Orders. He is also associated with the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences and the New Azerbaijan Party Veterans Council. However, legal precedents exist where individuals accused of serious state crimes may lose their official powers and awards.

Lawyer Shamil Pashayev informed APA that given the severity of the charges, the court might consider prohibiting Mehdiyev from exercising official powers or continuing his work. The court may also recommend depriving him of his honorary titles and state awards, potentially sending a submission to the President to take such action. Pashayev added that decisions regarding the deprivation of special or military ranks or awards granted by other state bodies fall within the court’s jurisdiction.