Category: Azer News

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Justice Farid Ahmadov held a meeting with his Georgian counterpart Paata Salia, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Justice.

Minister Ahmadov expressed his satisfaction in welcoming the guest to Azerbaijan and emphasised that the relations between the two countries, based on mutual trust, continue to develop successfully not only on a bilateral level but also within international organisations.

He noted that the fact that Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze paid their first official visits abroad to Azerbaijan after assuming office this year reflects the sincere nature of bilateral relations and their foundation on mutual respect.

During the meeting, the sides discussed studying international experience to improve the fields of enforcement, special enforcement, and probation; conducting effective exchanges of best practices with Georgia in these areas; and the positive contribution of the 2022 Batumi Law Forum and the Memorandum of Cooperation signed during that event to the development of bilateral relations. The parties also exchanged views on holding joint events in the future and expanding cooperation into new areas.

Both ministers underscored that digitalisation in the justice sector remains a priority for both countries. The Azerbaijani side highlighted the innovative steps taken to digitalise enforcement processes, including the ‘Electronic Auction’ platform, the ‘Mobile Enforcement’ application, and the AI-powered ‘E-qanun.ai’ legal search platform, which provides access to documents and the legislative database.

The meeting concluded with both sides noting that the visit and discussions would make a significant contribution to the exchange of experience and ideas, as well as to the further strengthening of legal cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia.

Chinese tech giant Baidu unveiled two new artificial intelligence chips on Thursday at its annual developer and client event. The chips are designed to power next-generation AI models and reduce China’s reliance on US chipmaker Nvidia, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

The M100, developed by Baidu’s unit Kunlunxin Technology, is engineered to improve inference efficiency in AI models that use the mixture-of-experts technique. Meanwhile, the M300 is intended for training ultra-large multimodal models with trillions of parameters, enabling cutting-edge AI research and applications.

Commenting on the announcement, Executive Vice President Shen Dou said the M100 will be fully released in early 2026, while the M300 is expected in 2027. He highlighted that the chips will provide powerful, low-cost, and controllable AI computing capabilities, supporting China’s goal of AI self-sufficiency.

Experts note that these chips could not only strengthen Baidu’s AI ecosystem but also position China as a major player in the global AI hardware race, challenging the dominance of Western chipmakers. With the M100 and M300, Baidu aims to accelerate AI adoption across industries, from autonomous driving and healthcare to finance and natural language processing.

A delegation led by Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan, visited Belém, Brazil, to participate in the 30th session of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP30).

As reported by Azernews, Guliyev addressed the Ministers’ Meeting on Urban Planning and Climate Change, as well as a roundtable on ‘Informal Settlements, Land Transformation, and Housing Provision.’ He emphasised the importance of multi-level collaboration in tackling both housing and climate challenges.

During the sessions, Guliyev presented Azerbaijan’s reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories under the ‘Great Return’ program, highlighting the integration of smart and green urban planning principles. He also underscored Azerbaijan’s co-chair role in the Baku Sustainability Coalition and the UN Intergovernmental Working Group on ‘Adequate Housing for All,’ noting its significant contribution to integrating urban planning and climate agendas.

Speaking at the Ministers’ Meeting held as part of Urban Planning Day at COP30, Guliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 as a catalyst for multi-level climate cooperation. He also underlined the relevance of the Multi-level Action Pathways (MAP) initiative and the role of the Baku Sustainability Coalition in advancing this approach.

During the visit, Guliyev met with Brazil’s Minister of Cities, Jader Filho, to discuss opportunities for cooperation in sustainable and inclusive urban development. He also briefed the Minister on preparations for the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will be held in Baku.

As the national coordinator for WUF13, Guliyev used his speeches and meetings at COP30 to invite participants to join the upcoming forum in Baku. He emphasised that WUF13 will provide a unique global platform to discuss the future of cities, climate resilience, and innovative urban planning solutions.

In a significant move that highlights the global recognition of Azerbaijani folk art, UNESCO has included the anniversaries of two of Azerbaijan’s most celebrated ashiqs-Ashiq Dirili Qurbani and Ashiq Alaskar in its 2026-2027 Anniversary Program, Azernews reports.

The inclusion of these two prominent figures of Azerbaijani oral and poetic traditions in UNESCO’s prestigious program marks a significant step in recognising the depth of Azerbaijani culture on the global stage.

Ashiq Dirili Qurbani (1476-1549)

From an early age, Ashiq Dirili Qurbani developed a passion for playing the saz and writing poetry. Largely self-taught, he immersed himself in the study of classical and folk poetry, as well as history. He became fluent in Persian and Arabic and memorised the Quran in its entirety. By the time he was fifteen, Qurbani was already participating in local celebrations as an ashiq.

His village, where he first began to compose poetry, was located on the slopes of a mountain adorned with delicate violets and daffodils, surrounded by thick forests and cold springs. At the base of the mountains lay fertile wheat fields, and below that flowed the powerful Aras River. It was in this idyllic landscape that Qurbani’s character was formed, where his deep connection to both nature and people blossomed. The vivid imagery and emotional depth in his poetry are firmly grounded in the rich traditions of Azerbaijani verse.

With remarkable talent, Gurbani became a true poet of the people. His poetry evolved over time, constantly refining and reaching ever-greater levels of excellence, ultimately achieving unmatched mastery in his art.

Ashiq Alasgar (1821-1926)

Ashiq Alasgar wrote poetry, composed ashiq melodies to accompany his verses, and expertly performed them on the saz. He was well-versed in the forms of ashiq poetry and became a master of their craft.

His repertoire included numerous classical dastans (epic ballads) and ashiq tunes, which primarily focused on themes of the hard lives of working people, the realistic portrayal of rural life, and the beauty of nature.

Ashiq Alasgar had an exceptional memory and could easily memorise poems and tales, particularly the dastans of other ashiqs. He was well-acquainted with the works of great Eastern classical poets such as Nizami, Nasimi, Fuzuli, and Nabati.

Alasgar had nearly all of the classical ashiq poetry and love-heroic legends memorised. He also composed several dastans of his own, including Alasgar and Sahnabanu, “The Journey of Ashiq Alasgar to Nakhchivan,” “The Journey of Ashiq Alasgar to Turkiye,” and “The Journey of Ashiq Alasgar to Garabagh.”

UNESCO’s Recognition: Worldwide Spotlight on Azerbaijani Heritage

The inclusion of Ashiq Dirili Qurbani and Ashiq Alasgar in UNESCO’s 2026-2027 Anniversary Program marks a significant moment for Azerbaijani culture. It is not merely a celebration of two individuals; it is an acknowledgement of the ashiq tradition as a whole.

Since its inception, the Azerbaijan National Committee? t? UNESCO has made significant contributions? t? various UNESCO programs and projects.

These include efforts? t? safeguard and promote Azerbaijan’s cultural sites, support educational initiatives, and foster international cooperation? ?n the fields? ?f science and technology.

Azerbaijan National Committee? to UNESCO continued to? be committed? t? its mission? ?f promoting peace and cooperation through education, culture, and science.

In 2003, the parties signed a framework agreement on cooperation in the areas of culture, science, education, and communication, which allowed Azerbaijan to become one of the donors to UNESCO.

Many Azerbaijani cultural sites have been included? in UNESCO’s World Heritage List, including Icherisheher (Old City) with Maiden Tower, Shirvanshah’s Palace, Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve, etc. In 2021, Lankaran District was included? ?n the UNESCO list “Network? ?f Creative Cities”.

UNESCO also honours Azerbaijan’s outstanding personalities, like the poet and thinker Imadaddin Nasimi, Fikrat Amirov, great philanthropist and oil magnate Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, etc.

The final of the national competition for Sweden’s tastiest tap water was held in Stockholm, with the municipality of Elvsbyun taking first place, Azernews reports.

The jury, chaired by wine expert Gunilla Hultgren Karell, praised the fresh taste and refined character of Elvsbyun’s water. ‘This year, the competition was especially strong,’ Karell noted.

Over a period of three weeks, the jury traveled across the country, sampling water from more than 80 municipalities. The twenty finalists were evaluated based on taste, purity, and thirst-quenching ability.

Karell highlighted that differences in water quality are noticeable even between countries. In the spring, she conducted a water tasting at the European Parliament, comparing tap water from across the continent.

‘Tap water is available all over Europe, but often it contains a lot of chlorine. Sweden and Finland came out on top in that tasting, and Slovenia also had excellent water. The rest is drinkable, but not always particularly tasty,’ she said.

She also noted that Swedes often take the quality of their water for granted, as it is clean, fresh, and flows straight from the tap.

‘For us, the chlorinated taste is a nightmare, but for Americans, if the water doesn’t smell of chlorine, they immediately become concerned,’ Karell added.

According to her, tasting water requires concentration comparable to tasting fine wine: ‘The differences are subtle, but that’s the beauty of it. Truly good water should be fresh, clear, and genuinely thirst-quenching.’

For the past five years, the title had been held by the municipality of Heganes, but this year it did not qualify for the finals. Experts emphasize that the quality of Swedish tap water remains exceptionally high, and Elvsbyun can now proudly claim to have the most delicious water in the country.

Beyond taste, Sweden’s tap water is also highly sustainable. It is naturally filtered, rich in minerals, and safe to drink straight from the tap-helping reduce the country’s reliance on bottled water and its environmental footprint.

The open court session in the criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia – Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others-accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of an aggressive war, genocide, violation of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, violent seizure of power, violent retention of power, and numerous other crimes as a result of Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, continued on November 13.

The court session at the Baku Military Court, chaired by Judge Zeynal Agayev and composed of Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (with reserve judge Gunel Samadova), provided each accused person with an interpreter in the language they know, as well as defense lawyers.

The session was attended by the accused persons, their defenders, some of the victims, their legal successors and representatives, as well as prosecutors upholding the state prosecution.

The court session continued with the closing statements of the prosecutors upholding the state prosecution.

Tughay Rahimli, Assistant to the Prosecutor General on special assignments, spoke and expressed his position on the characterization of the criminal acts in the charges brought against the accused persons.

He noted that UN Security Council Resolutions 822, 853, 874, and 884 confirm that the sovereign territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan were occupied as a result of Armenia’s military aggression, thereby confirming that Armenia waged an aggressive war against Azerbaijan.

The closing statement indicated that the aggressive war waged by Armenia against Azerbaijan was not factually halted even during periods when no active military operations were conducted.

During the aggressive war, the Armenian armed forces repeatedly violated the ceasefire, targeting members of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan lawfully operating on its territory, civilians, their property, state facilities for civilian purposes, religious, educational, scientific, and medical facilities, places where the sick and wounded were located, as well as objects of significant strategic importance, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline.

It was also stated that the systematic nature and widespread geographical scope of the torture inflicted by the Armenian armed forces prove that the application of torture reflected the policy of the Armenian state.

It was emphasized that Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions considers “the transfer by the occupying Power of parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies” a crime. It was noted that during the court investigation, the accused Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, and Bako Sahakyan confirmed in their statements the transfer of population from Armenia to the occupied regions of Azerbaijan, particularly to the Lachin district.

At the same time, these facts were confirmed based on letters examined during the court investigation, information from Armenian sources, and data from internet information resources.

It was emphasized that Armenia’s military aggression was not directed solely at members of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan but also targeted areas such as the largest cities and districts – Ganja, Barda, Agjabedi, Yevlakh, Mingachevir, Zardab, Kurdamir, Gabala, and others-as objects of attack.

Thus, the evidence examined in court confirmed that Armenia occupied the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan and committed crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, and numerous other particularly serious crimes during and after the military aggression against Azerbaijan.

Subsequently, Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev and Nasir Bayramov, Head of the Department for Upholding State Prosecution at the General Prosecutor’s Office, spoke and voiced the prosecutors’ proposals regarding the punishment to be imposed for each criminal act of which the accused persons are charged.

During the speeches, it was also proposed to the court to remove certain points from the charges brought against the accused persons and to characterize the acts of the accused persons under a norm of the criminal law providing for lighter liability compared to some of the charges brought.

It was emphasized that although the accused Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Madat Babayan are charged with committing crimes providing for life imprisonment, and these charges were proven during the court investigation, according to the requirements of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, life imprisonment cannot be imposed on them since they reached the age of 65 before the final court decision, i.e., the verdict, is issued.

It was proposed that Harutyunyan Arayik Vladimiri be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan – planning, preparing, initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; attacking persons entitled to international protection; genocide; destruction of the population; slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of international law norms; torture; mercenarism; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict; military plunder; intentional murder; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism; financing of terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; acts creating a threat to aviation safety; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation-and be finally sentenced to life imprisonment, to be served in a prison. The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of detention – October 3, 2023.

Regarding Mnatsakanyan Levon Henrikhi, it was proposed that he be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan-planning, preparing, initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; attacking persons entitled to international protection; destruction of the population; slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of international law norms; torture; mercenarism; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict; military plunder; intentional murder; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism; financing of terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; acts creating a threat to aviation safety; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation-and be finally sentenced to life imprisonment, to be served in a prison. The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of detention – September 29, 2023.

It was proposed that Manukyan David Azati be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan-planning, preparing, initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; attacking persons entitled to international protection; destruction of the population; slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of international law norms; torture; mercenarism; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict; military plunder; intentional murder; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism; financing of terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; acts creating a threat to aviation safety; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation – and be finally sentenced to life imprisonment, to be served in a prison. The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of detention – September 27, 2023.

Regarding Ishkhanyan Davit Rubeni, the proposal stated that he be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan-planning, preparing, initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; attacking persons entitled to international protection; genocide; destruction of the population; slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of international law norms; torture; mercenarism; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict; military plunder; intentional murder; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism; financing of terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; acts creating a threat to aviation safety; attempt on the life of a state figure; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation – and be finally sentenced to life imprisonment, to be served in a prison. The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of detention-October 3, 2023.

Regarding Babayan David Klimi, it was proposed that he be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan-planning, preparing, initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; destruction of the population; slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of international law norms; torture; mercenarism; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict; military plunder; intentional murder; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism; financing of terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; acts creating a threat to aviation safety; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation – and be finally sentenced to life imprisonment, to be served in a prison. The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of detention – September 28, 2023.

It was proposed that Ghukasyan (Gukasyan) Arkadi Arshavir* be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan-planning, preparing, initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; attacking persons entitled to international protection; genocide; destruction of the population; slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of international law norms; torture; mercenarism; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict; military plunder; intentional murder; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism; financing of terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; acts creating a threat to aviation safety; attempt on the life of a state figure; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation-and be finally sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining part in a strict-regime correctional institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of detention – October 3, 2023.

Regarding Sahakyan Bako Sahaki, it was proposed that he be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan-planning, preparing, initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; attacking persons entitled to international protection; genocide; destruction of the population; slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of international law norms; torture; mercenarism; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict; military plunder; intentional murder; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism; financing of terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; acts creating a threat to aviation safety; attempt on the life of a state figure; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation-and be finally sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining part in a strict-regime correctional institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of detention – October 3, 2023.

It was proposed that Manukyan David Azati be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan-planning, preparing, initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; attacking persons entitled to international protection; destruction of the population; slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of international law norms; torture; mercenarism; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict; military plunder; intentional murder; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism; financing of terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; acts creating a threat to aviation safety; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation – and be finally sentenced to life imprisonment, to be served in a prison. The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of detention – September 27, 2023.

Regarding Ishkhanyan Davit Rubeni, the proposal stated that he be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan-planning, preparing, initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; attacking persons entitled to international protection; genocide; destruction of the population; slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of international law norms; torture; mercenarism; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict; military plunder; intentional murder; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism; financing of terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; acts creating a threat to aviation safety; attempt on the life of a state figure; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation – and be finally sentenced to life imprisonment, to be served in a prison. The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of detention-October 3, 2023.

Regarding Babayan David Klimi, it was proposed that he be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan-planning, preparing, initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; destruction of the population; slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of international law norms; torture; mercenarism; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict; military plunder; intentional murder; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism; financing of terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; acts creating a threat to aviation safety; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation – and be finally sentenced to life imprisonment, to be served in a prison. The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of detention – September 28, 2023.

It was proposed that Ghukasyan (Gukasyan) Arkadi Arshavir* be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan-planning, preparing, initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; attacking persons entitled to international protection; genocide; destruction of the population; slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of international law norms; torture; mercenarism; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict; military plunder; intentional murder; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism; financing of terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; acts creating a threat to aviation safety; attempt on the life of a state figure; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation-and be finally sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining part in a strict-regime correctional institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of detention-October 3, 2023.

Regarding Sahakyan Bako Sahaki, it was proposed that he be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan-planning, preparing, initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; attacking persons entitled to international protection; genocide; destruction of the population; slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of international law norms; torture; mercenarism; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict; military plunder; intentional murder; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism; financing of terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; acts creating a threat to aviation safety; attempt on the life of a state figure; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation-and be finally sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining part in a strict-regime correctional institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of detention – October 3, 2023.

It was proposed that Babayan Madat Arakeli be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan-planning, preparing, initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; attacking persons entitled to international protection; genocide; destruction of the population; slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of international law norms; torture; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms; intentional murder; terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; attempt on the life of a state figure; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation-and be finally sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining part in a strict-regime correctional institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of detention – September 21, 2023.

Regarding Pashayan Melikset Vladimiri, the proposal stated that he be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan-planning, preparing, initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; destruction of the population; slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of international law norms; torture; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict; intentional murder; terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation-and be finally sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining part in a strict-regime correctional institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of detention – September 21, 2023.

It was proposed that Martirosyan Garik Grigori be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan-planning, preparing, initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; destruction of the population; slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of international law norms; torture; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict; intentional murder; terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation – and be finally sentenced to 19 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining part in a strict-regime correctional institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of detention – September 21, 2023.

Regarding Allahverdiyan Davit Nelsoni, the proposal stated that he be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan-planning, preparing, initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; destruction of the population; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict; intentional murder; terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation – and be finally sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining part in a strict-regime correctional institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of detention – September 21, 2023.

Regarding Balayan Levon Romiki, the proposal stated that he be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan-planning, preparing, initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; destruction of the population; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict; intentional murder; terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation – and be finally sentenced to 17 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining part in a strict-regime correctional institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of detention – September 21, 2023.

It was proposed that Beqlaryan Vasili Ivani be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan-planning, preparing, initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; forced transfer of the population; persecution; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict; military plunder; intentional murder; terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation-and be finally sentenced to 16 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining part in a strict-regime correctional institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of detention-September 26, 2023.

Regarding Stepanyan Gurgen Homerosi, the proposal stated that he be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan – planning, preparing, initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; destruction of the population; forced transfer of the population; persecution; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict; intentional murder; terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation – and be finally sentenced to 16 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining part in a strict-regime correctional institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of detention – September 21, 2023.

It was proposed that Ghazaryan Erik Roberti be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan-planning, preparing, initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; forced transfer of the population; persecution; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict; intentional murder; terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation-and be finally sentenced to 16 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining part in a strict-regime correctional institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of detention – September 27, 2023.

In addition, the court was requested to make a decision regarding the physical evidence in the criminal case in accordance with the requirements of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The prosecutors upholding the state prosecution requested the court not to change the preventive measure selected for each of the accused persons until the verdict enters into legal force.

In addition, the court was requested to make a decision regarding the physical evidence in the criminal case in accordance with the requirements of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

In court, the representatives of the victims stated that the charges brought against the accused persons were proven by the evidence examined during the court investigation, which lasted nearly a year, the materials studied, the testimonies of interrogated witnesses and victims, as well as expert opinions and other evidence.

The representatives of the victims expressed their agreement with the prosecutors’ proposals regarding the punishment and requested the court panel to issue a verdict accordingly.

The court process will continue on November 27.

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state – including the aforementioned criminal association – on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

On November 13, the Baku Military Court continued proceedings in the criminal case involving citizens of the Republic of Armenia, with the prosecution presenting its closing arguments.

According to Azernews, the prosecution outlined the legal assessment of the alleged acts under the charges during its statement in court.

Prosecutors emphasised that United Nations Security Council Resolutions 822, 853, 874, and 884 confirmed that Armenia’s military aggression resulted in the occupation of Azerbaijan’s sovereign territories, constituting an aggressive war against Azerbaijan.

The prosecution noted that Armenia’s acts of aggression persisted even during periods when active military operations were nominally paused. Throughout the course of the war, repeated violations of ceasefires targeted members of Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces, civilians, civilian property, and state infrastructure. Religious, educational, scientific, and medical facilities, locations housing the sick and wounded, as well as strategically important assets, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, were subjected to attacks.

The prosecutors further asserted that the systematic nature of torture and its widespread application demonstrated that such acts reflected official Armenian state policy.

The court was reminded that the Geneva Conventions, Additional Protocol I, criminalise the transfer of an occupier’s own population into occupied territories. During the investigation, the accused, Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasyan, and Bako Sahakyan, admitted in their statements that people were relocated from Armenia to Azerbaijan’s occupied regions, particularly the Lachin District. These claims were corroborated by letters, Armenian sources, and information available in public online databases.

The trial continues against Armenian citizens accused of peace and humanity crimes, war crimes, preparation and execution of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing of terrorism, seizing power by force, maintaining power by force, and numerous other crimes resulting from Armenia’s military aggression.

Citizen welfare remains the central focus of the state’s socio-economic policy. As developing countries face increasing global competitiveness, the standard of living of their citizens is inevitably affected. Among the most competitive sectors within these economies is the real estate market. In Azerbaijan, a significant trend observed across developing nations-the migration from rural regions to urban centers-poses a major challenge for the capital, Baku.

Additional factors, including business development and investment attraction, further contribute to the rise in land and housing prices in the city. This situation raises a critical question: how can young families, particularly those not employed in high-paying sectors, secure adequate housing? It is precisely in this context that the socio-economic reforms implemented by the state play a pivotal role, aiming to ensure accessible and sustainable housing opportunities for all citizens.

In response, the government has implemented targeted socio-economic reforms, with citizen welfare at the forefront of its agenda. Among these initiatives, the Mortgage and Credit Guarantee Fund (MCGF) plays a central role, providing subsidized mortgages and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to foster broader economic development.

In this context, Fitch Ratings recently affirmed MCGF’s Long-Term Foreign- and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) at ‘BBB-‘ with a stable outlook, reflecting the Fund’s strong operational and financial links to the Azerbaijani state and its critical role in the country’s housing policy. Fitch’s assessment underscores MCGF’s dual function as both a financial institution and a socio-economic instrument, bridging the gap between affordable housing provision and sustainable economic growth.

Fitch classifies MCGF as a government-related entity (GRE), noting that its rating is effectively equalized with the sovereign due to its deep integration with state policy and reliance on government funding. The agency assigns a ‘virtually certain’ support score of 50 out of 60, reflecting the combination of responsibility-to-support and incentive-to-support factors that secure the Fund’s financial stability.

Decision-making and oversight are tightly controlled by the state. MCGF is a non-commercial entity whose liquidation or reorganisation requires a presidential decree. Its board of trustees, appointed by the president and composed of representatives from the presidential administration, key ministries, and the central bank, approves borrowing limits, strategic goals, budgets, and investment programs.

Financial backing from the state further reinforces the Fund’s credit profile. MCGF receives annual capital injections, totalling 172.7 million manats for 2024-2025, used primarily to finance social mortgages. Additionally, the central bank provides a buyback guarantee for the Fund’s bonds, currently holding about 80% of its outstanding debt. The Fund benefits from exemptions from income tax and enhanced market attractiveness due to preferential bond classifications. Fitch expects such regulatory and political support to remain robust at least through the medium term, with an additional 100 million manats earmarked for social mortgage and SME financing in 2026.

MCGF’s mission is strategically significant: it is the only entity responsible for subsidized housing loans in Azerbaijan, managing around 80% of the country’s mortgage portfolio. Its operations directly enable affordable access to housing for vulnerable populations while also supporting broader economic objectives by facilitating financing for non-oil sector SMEs. Fitch notes that any default by MCGF would materially disrupt national housing policy and undermine public confidence in the financial system, highlighting the Fund’s critical policy role.

Despite its non-commercial mandate, MCGF demonstrates financial resilience. In 2024, the Fund posted a profit of 23.2 million manats, consistent with the previous year. Gradual expansion of the loan portfolio increased net interest income, while higher personnel costs offset some gains. Asset quality remains strong, with impaired loans representing less than 0.1% of the mortgage and rent-to-own portfolio. These metrics underline the Fund’s capacity to sustain its operations while fulfilling its social mandate.

Fitch draws parallels between MCGF and other government-backed housing entities globally, including Kazakhstan Housing Company, India’s Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited, and France’s Action Logement Services. All these institutions exhibit high GRE support scores, reflecting their strong government ties and critical policy functions. This comparison emphasizes the increasing importance of state-backed housing institutions in emerging markets as instruments for social welfare and economic stability.

The Fitch rating reaffirms MCGF’s stability and strategic importance, signaling sustained government commitment to affordable housing. For young families and SMEs, the Fund provides a reliable mechanism for accessing long-term, low-cost financing. At a broader level, MCGF contributes to economic diversification by channeling funds to the non-oil sector, supporting government efforts to create a resilient and inclusive economy.

In conclusion, MCGF exemplifies how a government-backed institution can successfully combine financial stability with socio-economic impact. Fitch’s affirmation highlights the Fund’s strong government support, robust financial profile, and critical role in advancing Azerbaijan’s housing policy-offering a model for other emerging economies facing similar urbanization and affordability challenges.

By the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Orkhan Chingiz oglu Mursalov has been appointed Head of the Goychay District Executive Authority, Azernews reports.

Today, the newly appointed official was introduced to the district’s executive staff and local community representatives by Zeynal Naghdaliyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department for Territorial and Organizational Issues.

During the introduction ceremony, Zeynal Naghdaliyev conveyed the President’s instructions and recommendations to the local administration.

Orkhan Mursalov expressed his gratitude to the Head of State for the trust and confidence placed in him.

Elvin Nazim oglu Pashayev, appointed as the Head of the Qakh District Executive Authority by decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, was introduced to the district’s staff today in a ceremony attended by local community representatives, Azernews reports.

The introduction was conducted by Zeynal Nagdaliyev, Assistant to the President and Head of the Department for Territorial and Organizational Affairs, who conveyed the President’s instructions and recommendations.

Speaking at the event, E. Pashayev expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him.