By AZE.US
Proceedings are opening in Baku against Ramiz Mehdiyev, the former head of Azerbaijan’s presidential administration, in a case involving allegations of treason, an attempted seizure of power and large-scale money laundering.
A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Sept. 21 at the Baku Court on Grave Crimes and was expected to be led by Judge Murad Aslanov.
The hearing marks a new stage in a case investigated by Azerbaijan’s State Security Service since October 2025.
Charges Against Mehdiyev
Investigators allege that Mehdiyev and other defendants took part in actions aimed at forcibly seizing state power and changing Azerbaijan’s constitutional order with assistance from representatives of a foreign state.
According to the prosecution’s case, Mehdiyev prepared a document titled “Proposals for Restructuring the Public Administration System” in August and September 2025. Investigators allege that the document was passed through his aide, Eldar Amirov, to Ali Karimli, chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, for approval.
Mehdiyev is also accused of laundering more than 17 million manats that investigators allege were obtained through criminal activity.
The charges were brought under Articles 193-1.3.2, 274 and 278.1 of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code, covering large-scale legalization of criminally obtained property, high treason and actions aimed at forcibly seizing power.
Other Figures Named in the Case
Investigators have also named former First Deputy Prime Minister Abbas Abbasov and Karimli among the figures in the case. Amirov, a former presidential administration employee, was detained in November 2025 in connection with the same investigation.
The charges reflect the prosecution’s allegations. Guilt must be established by the court, and none of the defendants should be regarded as convicted unless and until a final judgment is issued.
AZE.US