Baku: The trial of Vagif Allahverdiyev, who resides in the United States and faces charges of incitement against the state, has begun, as reported by APA. The case has been assigned to Judge Roman Alakbarli at the Baku Court on Grave Crimes, with a preliminary hearing set for January 6.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Allahverdiyev has been charged under Article 281.2 of the Criminal Code. Authorities stated that he evaded investigation and fled Azerbaijan, leading to his placement on a wanted list. A decision by the Binagadi District Court on February 23 resulted in a preventive measure of arrest in absentia against him. Recent developments on September 18 saw amendments to the charges, with Allahverdiyev now facing accusations under Articles 220.2 and 281.2 of the Criminal Code.

Details reveal that while residing in California, he changed his identity to Victor Alexander. Between March and May 2017, he produced five video messages directed at Azerbaijani citizens. These messages allegedly contained calls that could disrupt public order, affect state authority operations, and incite actions against the government using force.