Azerbaijan’s Supreme Court upholds activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev’s conviction

Azerbaijan’s Supreme Court has rejected the cassation appeal of imprisoned civic activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, according to the decision announced by presiding judge Alesker Novruzov.

Hajiyev was detained in December 2022 on charges of hooliganism and contempt of court. He was later charged with illegal entrepreneurship, money laundering, smuggling, using forged documents and tax evasion.

On January 13, 2024, the Baku Serious Crimes Court sentenced him to 10 years in prison. His appeal was dismissed, and the original verdict was upheld.