The next decision has been announced regarding the criminal case under investigation at the State Security Service (SSS) concerning Ramiz Mehdiyev and others, on charges of “actions aimed at seizing state power”.
Based on the materials collected in the criminal case, a decision was made to involve Abbas Abbasov, former First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, who had remained outside of responsibility for many years due to Ramiz Mehdiyev's protection, in the investigation, and a search was declared for him as he evaded investigation by being outside the country's borders.
It should be noted that A. Abbasov served as the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan since 1992. During this period, he chaired several state commissions. After being dismissed from his position in 2006, he began living in the Russian Federation.
Members of the Milli Majlis commented on the decision regarding Abbas Abbasov in their statements to Modern.az.
Chairman of the Milli Majlis Human Rights Committee, Zahid Oruc, stated that if a criminal case has been opened against Abbas Abbasov, it means there are fundamental grounds for it:
“Especially, Ramiz Mehdiyev's crime against the state is multifaceted and cannot be considered an isolated incident. It appears that this process was synchronously managed by Russia's intelligence structure. There is no time limit or framework for such actions. If the investigation of such crimes is not conducted, if they are not exposed, and if no accountability measures are taken, those cells remain and, in the subsequent period, resurface to carry out anti-state activities. When they gather certain supporters, they initiate various provocations. Unfortunately, it must be openly stated that after Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity, especially after achieving full sovereignty with the Khankendi victory, a "cold war" has been prevailing with Russia. The folders protected in Russia's foreign policy department are always characterized by military intervention in regions they consider remote territories of chauvinism. For the last 200 years, the force that has always dominated and exploited this region has had a multifaceted activity within the framework of the "Billionaires' Union" involving individuals like Abbas Abbasov and others. This was an issue in circulation for 12 years. These actions are being exposed in the current period. This is not merely a struggle with political forces and poles, but a process of investigating serious criminal acts of an anti-constitutional nature.”
The committee chairman stated that certain circles, the Kremlin establishment, had created the "Billionaires' Union" through spy networks to block the path both in the April battles and leading up to 2020:
"At one time, those who held high positions in the government, including the state system, joined the process in one way or another. This process is part of the occupation process with the return of Armenians to Karabakh after the victory. This is not just a coup. I repeat once again that holding a high position of power does not exempt him from criminal liability. On the other hand, unfortunately, crime has no age or political affiliation. Under these circumstances, we are confident that following the trail of the accusations, discussions on these matters with Russia, the appearance of the individuals in question before the investigation, their accountability, and informing the public will be ensured.”
Member of the Milli Majlis Defense, Security, and Anti-Corruption Committee, Aydın Mirzəzadə, noted that he was not surprised by this news:
"Unfortunately, when Abbas Abbasov was dismissed from his post, Mr. President presented him with a high award and respectfully sent him off; nevertheless, a characteristic common to some former officials manifested itself in him as well. There are certain individuals who are shown trust and, while in office, swear allegiance to our state independence and to the President, calling everyone to do the same. But after being dismissed from their positions, they turn 180 degrees. They become staunch opponents of the government they once served. Unfortunately, Abbas Abbasov was one of them. He went to neighboring countries and took an opposing stance against Azerbaijan. At one point, his name was mentioned among a group of individuals attempting a change of power and hiding abroad. I was not surprised by this news.”
A. Mirzəzadə stated that Abbas Abbasov had never once raised his voice for the liberation of Azerbaijan's territories from occupation:
"Abbas Abbasov worked in a high position. He was in contact with Mr. President almost every day. He should have worked for Azerbaijan in any case, not to carry out orders from certain circles abroad. We never heard that he came to Azerbaijan or raised his voice in Russia for Azerbaijan's independence or the liberation of our lands from occupation. This person did not express a single positive opinion regarding Mr. President's activities. The SSS is a serious institution. If such an accusation has been brought by the SSS, it means serious grounds have emerged for it. I believe that Ramiz Mehdiyevs and Abbas Abbasovs should be in the public's attention as a negative example, so that one does not betray the state one serves, does not violate the trust placed in them, and understands that orders given from abroad harm Azerbaijan's independence. Everything is resolved on a legal plane. There is an extradition agreement between Azerbaijan and Russia. Accordingly, an appeal will be made to Russia. However, we do not know how Russia will respond to the appeal. We want to hope that Russia will respond understandingly to Azerbaijan's appeals.”
Deputy Elşad Musayev noted that Abbas Abbasov's pro-Russian inclination had been a known fact from the beginning:
"Russia's agent network is not a recent development. Russia has established agent networks in all countries that were under its influence. It has also placed its people in various positions. Russia has not abandoned this policy, whether in our country or in other countries. I do not have concrete facts regarding Abbas Abbasov. However, his closeness to Russia was known. The investigation is now ongoing. As the criminal case related to Ramiz Mehdiyev continues, there will be further clarification in the processes.”
Milli Majlis lawyer-deputy Arzuxan Əlizadə also emphasized that Abbas Abbasov's connections with Ramiz Mehdiyev were no secret:
"Within the framework of the criminal case related to Mehdiyev, Abbas Abbasov has also been put on a wanted list. In fact, Abbas Abbasov's connections with Ramiz Mehdiyev were no secret. He had special services and a role in the creation of the "Billionaires' Union" in 2012. At that time, he was registered as one of the founders of the organization. The organization aimed to put forward a candidate in the presidential elections, influence the presidential election, and was financed and directed by Russia. Abbas Abbasov was one of the main figures of this organization. He was represented at a high level in YAP, serving as First Deputy Prime Minister. After being dismissed from his position in 2006, he moved to Russia. He is one of the individuals under Russia's patronage.”
A. Əlizadə emphasized that Russia is obliged to hand over Abbas Abbasov:
"It is likely that law enforcement agencies will raise the issue of his return to Azerbaijan. There are agreements on legal assistance between Azerbaijan and Russia. In accordance with these agreements, Russia is obliged to hand him over to Azerbaijan. Now, whether Russia will hand him over or not is another matter. However, in any case, if an appeal is made by law enforcement agencies, they will return him. The accusations brought against Ramiz Mehdiyev are serious matters. Even life imprisonment can be given for these crimes. The degrees of responsibility of the individuals around him will also be determined. It will be determined how far each person's activities extended, and a verdict will be read out according to the relevant articles.”
