Azerbaijani Economist Fazil Gasimov Alleges Beating by Guards

Fazil Gasimov

Fazil Gasimov, an economist recognized as a political prisoner by Azerbaijani human rights defenders, has claimed in court that he is being pressured by prison guards. His appeal hearing was postponed due to his poor health.

Gasimov was arrested in Turkey in August 2023 and extradited to Azerbaijan, where he was detained. During the preliminary investigation, Gasimov testified against fellow economist and anti-corruption expert Gubad Ibadoglu. Both were accused of selling counterfeit money. Subsequently, Ibadoglu's case was separated, and he was transferred to house arrest under police supervision.

Following this, Gasimov stated that his testimony against Ibadoglu was given under torture. Gasimov asserts that the criminal case against him is retaliation for materials on corruption in Azerbaijan that he prepared with Gubad Ibadoglu. In March 2025, a court sentenced Gasimov to nine years in prison.

During the appeal hearing against his sentence on July 29 at the Baku Court of Appeals, Gasimov complained of pressure from staff of the Azerbaijani Penitentiary Service, according to his relatives.

Gasimov stated that for 42 days he has not been allowed to contact his lawyer, Nemat Karimli, in the Umbakı penitentiary complex.

Furthermore, Gasimov told the court that he was subjected to violence by Penitentiary Service employees in Umbakı. Specifically, he said that his additions to the appeal were taken away, two officers grabbed his arms, and the deputy head of the prison slapped him and began to choke him. Gasimov told the judge that he felt unwell both physically and psychologically and needed medical help. He requested a postponement, and the judge rescheduled the hearing for August 6.

The Azerbaijani Penitentiary Service could not be reached for comment.

Azerbaijani human rights defenders have declared Gasimov a political prisoner.

Since his arrest, he has repeatedly conducted lengthy hunger strikes, demanding an end to his criminal prosecution.