Some had created myths in society about their “indispensability”. They thought that their names, positions, and close circles would protect them from any responsibility. But President Ilham Aliyev showed them their place, so to speak, “with one stroke of the pen”.
In recent days, especially on social media, the Azerbaijani head of state’s warning to officials, “No one is untouchable,” has become one of the most frequently cited quotes. This is no coincidence. Against the background of arrests and investigations that have resonated widely in society, this idea is now perceived not just as words, but as a political line, a principle of governance.
According to Musavat.com, it is clear to everyone where these discussions originate. In particular, the “Ramiz Mehdiyev case” became the undermining of not only one figure, but also the myths of immunity that had been formed for many years. This process naturally shook many “branches” as well. However, this shaking did not create a risk for the state; on the contrary, it was perceived by society as a necessary cleansing in the post-war period, and open support was given to the operations carried out by the state’s law enforcement agencies.
President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly and purposefully reiterated this position at meetings with high-ranking officials. Those who know his management philosophy drew conclusions from this call. But if someone still relied on the old habits of thinking “so-and-so is behind me”, their (bitter) fate is already known. The head of state relies exclusively on the people in governance and calls on officials to work in accordance with this principle.
Ruslan Əyyubov
The President’s open position was not only confirmed by words, but also by real facts. The arrest of General Beylar Eyyubov’s close relatives, including Ruslan Eyyubov, and even before that, the dismissal of General Hasan Eyyubov; the personal criminal prosecution of Ramiz Mehdiyev, his placement under house arrest; as well as the dismissal of people included in circles considered untouchable for many years, showed that this line is not selective. These steps are the clearest example of the President’s philosophy that “everyone who commits a crime will be punished.”
Həsən Əyyubov
Today, some circles are trying to present those involved in the investigation only through the prism of the opposition, and to address demagogic appeals to international organizations. However, the facts are obvious: not only opposition leaders are involved in the investigation. High-ranking officials themselves, their relatives, and people who have been represented in the state’s highest governing structures for years are not excluded from this process. This is the real application of the principle of equality before the law.
Whether it is Ramiz Mehdiyev, who played an important role in the country’s ideological and political life for many years, or opposition leader Ali Karimli, or the close circle of Beylar Eyyubov, who is considered one of the most influential figures in the country – if there is a crime, there is an investigation. If a criminal element is detected, if there is a reasonable suspicion against someone, that person is called, interrogated, and held accountable. The addition of figures such as Adnan Ahmadzadeh, who managed billions of funds, to this list has formed an unprecedented stage in the political and public life of Azerbaijan in recent months.
President Ilham Aliyev’s policy is an extremely strong message to society and the world: the era of the untouchables is over. This message applies to both economic crimes, political manipulations, and official arbitrariness. No one will evade responsibility by hiding behind the role of “alphabet teacher” or “shadow patron”. |
In short, today in Azerbaijan, no official, no political figure, no influential person has and cannot have “immunity”. This is no longer just the President’s words, but a working state mechanism. Everyone should draw their own conclusions from this message.