The trial of Akif Gurbanov, Alasgar Mammadli, Ruslan Izzatli, Ramil Babayev, Ali Zeynalov, Mushfig Jabbarov, Ilkin Amrahov, Farid Ismayilov, and Elmir Abbasov, who are accused in the criminal case opened regarding “Toplum TV”, has continued.
elchi reports that the judicial investigation concluded today at the Baku Court of Grave Crimes, presided over by Judge Azer Taghiyev.
The state prosecutor, in their closing statement, proposed that each of the accused be deprived of the right to hold certain positions in state and local self-government institutions for 3 years, and requested prison sentences of 16 years for Akif Gurbanov, 15 years for Alasgar Mammadli, 16 years for Ruslan Izzatli, 14 years for Ramil Babayev, 15 years for Ali Zeynalov, 14 years for Mushfig Jabbarov, 14 years for Ilkin Amrahov, 13 years for Farid Ismayilov, and 13 years for Elmir Abbasov. The prosecutor requested that Elmir Abbasov be arrested in the courtroom. At the same time, the prosecutor proposed that the seized cars and houses of the accused be confiscated to satisfy the civil claim.
It should be recalled that on March 6, 2024, the Ministry of Internal Affairs conducted an operation at the office of the “Toplum TV” internet television station and several other locations.
Pre-trial detention measures were imposed on “Toplum TV” co-founders Akif Gurbanov and Alasgar Ahmadoglu (Mammadli), employees, and Ruslan Izzatli, a founding member of the III Republic Platform. A criminal case was opened against them under Article 206.3.2 (smuggling committed by a group of persons in prior conspiracy) of the Criminal Code.
Later, additional charges (under Articles 162-1.1, 192.3.2, 193-1.3.1, 193-1.3.2, 206.4, and 213.2.1 of the Criminal Code) were brought against the accused in the case.