Baku: The final hearing in the case of Khagani Mammadov, Sanan Mammadov, Igbal Akhundov, Arif Jumshudov, Tarzan Garashov, and Anar Isayev, accused of attempting to seize power by force to establish a ‘Karima’ state, took place today. The verdict was delivered at the Baku Court on Grave Crimes, with Judge Shelale Hasanova presiding.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the court sentenced Arif Jumshudov and Anar Isayev to 17 years in prison each. Sanan Mammadov, Igbal Akhundov, Khagani Mammadov, and Tarzan Garashov received sentences of 8 years each. All sentences will be served in a high-security correctional facility.

The charges stem from allegations that Rufulla Akhundzada and Bakhtiyar Bayramov recruited Arif Jumshudov, instructing him to form a “resistance group” aimed at seizing power and establishing a “Karima” state governed by Sharia law. Jumshudov recruited individuals from his circle, known for promoting religious radicalism, and held secret meetings to relay directives from Akhundzada and Bayramov. The group also sought to recruit additional members while reporting their progress back to Akhundzada.

Rufulla Akhundzada also recruited Anar Isayev, a Baku resident, promising support and introducing him to Jumshudov to collaborate in their efforts. The group engaged in activities to portray themselves as “devout” members of society and conducted propaganda favoring Iran and religious radicalism through social media and public gatherings.

The State Security Service charged the individuals under Article 234.1-1 of the Criminal Code for illegal drug-related activities and Article 278.2 for actions aimed at forcibly changing the constitutional order of Azerbaijan on grounds of religious enmity and radicalism.