Rapper Epi Arrested for 30 Days After Criticizing Banks Linked to Azerbaijan's Ruling Family, Raising Free Speech Concerns

Rapper Akbar Novruzlu, widely known as Epi

Baku, Azerbaijan – Rapper Akbar Novruzlu, widely known as Epi, was arrested on July 16 and subsequently sentenced to 30 days of administrative imprisonment, sparking renewed concerns about freedom of expression in Azerbaijan. While official statements cite drug use and petty hooliganism, social media and legal experts suggest his detention is linked to lyrics critical of powerful financial institutions.

The Sabail District Court found Novruzlu guilty under Articles 206 (illegal possession of narcotic drugs for personal use) and 510 (petty hooliganism) of the Code of Administrative Offenses. This development closely follows a rap battle in Baku Boulevard where Epi made remarks directed at fellow rapper Paster (Parviz Guluzade).

The specific lyrics believed to have triggered the arrest are: "You also had your radical time. Back then, you 'dissed' 'Pasha Bank,' now sit in 'Kapital Bank's' lap." Journalistic investigations consistently indicate that both "Pasha Bank" and "Kapital Bank" are connected to Azerbaijan's ruling family. "Pasha Bank" is owned by "Pasha Holding," in which President Ilham Aliyev's daughters are shareholders, and "Kapital Bank" is also under the control of the same holding, and by extension, the Pashayev family.

This is not an isolated incident. Rapper Paster himself was arrested five years ago, on December 27, 2019, and sentenced to 30 days of administrative arrest for a similar lyrical jab: "I will take over the country like Pasha Bank." Although the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) then claimed Paster had disturbed public order under the influence of drugs and disobeyed police, social media widely asserted his punishment was directly related to his music. Interestingly, Paster has since become a face for "Kapital Bank" advertisements.

Following Epi's arrest, pro-government media reported that a complaint was filed against him for "using profanity while rapping" at an outdoor event. However, the MIA issued a statement asserting that Epi was apprehended during a police operation targeting drug users.

Lawyer Samad Rahimli has critically assessed the situation, stating that if the allegations regarding the lyrics are true, Epi's detention is "entirely politically motivated" and constitutes a restriction of freedom of expression. Rahimli highlighted a pattern where "critical or sarcastic expressions towards state bodies, or the ruling family and companies under their control, can lead to such legal restrictions and violations of rights." He specifically referenced Paster's past case as a precedent.

Rahimli further questioned the application of "petty hooliganism" in the context of rap. He argued that "the use of profanity in rap is an inherent aspect of rap art" and should not, in itself, be considered a violation of public order, especially at an event where such performances are expected. He emphasized that for such charges to be justified, clear warnings about content restrictions must have been communicated to the artist by event organizers, who in turn should have been informed by state bodies. Without such warnings, holding the artist accountable is "baseless."

The lawyer also pointed out a recurring trend of applying Article 206 (illegal drug use) against rappers, suggesting that such charges, if fabricated, would be "completely unlawful and baseless."

Epi has apologized on his Instagram page for his performance, stating, "There is a bit of indecency inherent in our profession. Of course, it was not intentional. I will be more careful in my future work." However, his arrest, much like Paster's before him, underscores a broader environment where artistic expression, particularly when it touches upon sensitive political or economic topics, appears to be met with swift legal repercussions in Azerbaijan. These incidents collectively contribute to a chilling effect on independent voices and raise significant questions about the state of free speech within the country.