The Presidium of Azerbaijan’s National Academy of Sciences voted to expel Ramiz Mehdiyev from the academy, but the decision still requires approval from the General Assembly at a meeting scheduled for Oct. 30.
The vote marks a new stage in the process opened after the Baku Court of Grave Crimes sentenced the former head of Azerbaijan’s presidential administration.
ANAS President Isa Habibbayli said Mehdiyev’s actions were incompatible with academy membership. He cited the court verdict and a regulation allowing an academician to be expelled for actions that damage the reputation of Azerbaijan or the academy.
General Assembly Must Give Final Approval
Members of the presidium approved the proposal and agreed to send it to the General Assembly. Under the academy’s rules, the expulsion will not take effect unless the General Assembly endorses it.
A court earlier sentenced Mehdiyev to 14 years in prison but suspended the custodial punishment because of his age and health. The verdict also called for property confiscation and a request to revoke state awards.
Sources: Vesti Baku; APA; earlier AZE.US coverage.