A pre-trial measure of 4 months of house arrest has been chosen for Ramiz Mehdiyev, former Head of the Presidential Administration, former President of ANAS, and academician.
As a result of operational investigative measures carried out by the Main Investigation Department of the State Security Service (SSS), a criminal case has been initiated against Ramiz Mehdiyev.
According to information, R. Mehdiyev is accused under Articles 274 (Treason), 278 (Forcible seizure or retention of power), and 193-1 (Legalization of criminally obtained funds) of the Criminal Code.
Considering his age, the investigation deemed it appropriate to keep him under house arrest during the preliminary investigation period.
Ramiz Mehdiyev served as the Head of the Presidential Administration from 1995-2019 and as the President of the National Academy of Sciences from 2019–2022.
He holds the status of a true state advisor, which is the highest special rank in civil service.
R. Mehdiyev is currently a member of the Security Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan. He is also represented in the Veterans Council of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party.
It should be noted that Ramiz Mehdiyev has been charged under Article 274 (Treason), the most severe article of the Criminal Code.
So, what punishment can be imposed on him under this article?
Modern.az website has investigated the Criminal Code.
Article 274 states: Treason, i.e., an act intentionally committed by a citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the detriment of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, state security, or defense capability of the Republic of Azerbaijan: defection to the enemy, espionage, disclosure of state secrets to a foreign state, assistance to a foreign state, organization, or their representatives in carrying out hostile activities against the Republic of Azerbaijan - is punishable by imprisonment for a term of 12 to 20 years or life imprisonment.
However, his age prevents the imposition of a life imprisonment sentence.
Thus, Article 57.2 of the Criminal Code states:
Life imprisonment is not imposed on women, persons who have not reached the age of 18 at the time of committing the crime, or men who have reached the age of 65 by the time the verdict is rendered.
It is known that Ramiz Mehdiyev, born in 1938, is currently 87 years old. This gives reason to say that the academician will not be sentenced to life imprisonment.
A.Qorxmaz
