Soldier's Suicide Reveals Abusive Command, Officer Jailed

Baku, 11 August 2025 – A heartbreaking letter written by Kanan Bakiyev, a military serviceman of the State Border Service who died by suicide in July 2023, has come to light. The letter was found in the soldier's pocket.

Before ending his life with a firearm, Bəkiyev wrote: “Mother, Father, forgive me. I said I couldn't stand this person. May God protect you. I love you very much. Forgive my shortcomings. Bakiyev”. The "Musavat.com" newspaper reported that the investigation determined Bəkiyev took his own life as a result of the illegal actions of Chief Lieutenant Tofiq Mammadov, the head of the border checkpoint.

It is alleged that Bakiyev indicated in his letter that his commander used inappropriate language towards him and subjected him to pressure. His family had reportedly been informed about this earlier.

According to reports, Bakiyev was brought to the front of the line by his commander the day before his suicide. He reportedly faced criticism and harsh words from the commander for disciplinary infractions. The commander allegedly used inappropriate language against Bəkiyev, citing reasons such as missing radio covers and going to the dining hall without permission.

Furthermore, it is claimed that the commander stopped a birthday celebration for Bakiyev's fellow soldiers and did not allow the cake to be cut. It was also alleged that the chair Bəkiyev used in his service room was removed, forcing him to stand during duty. The investigation revealed that not only Bakiyev but also several other soldiers were victims of the officer's behaviour, including beatings, insults, and pressure.

After the incident, Bəkiyev wrote the letter and then went to a fellow soldier on guard duty at the border checkpoint, taking his weapon by claiming the "zastava chief wanted it". Bəkiyev then ended his life by firing the weapon once into his chin.

Chief Lieutenant Tofiq Mammadov was held accountable and arrested. He was sentenced to 6 years and 6 months in prison. His appeals and cassation complaints were rejected, and the Supreme Court upheld the verdict.