The duration of the preventive measure selected for Ramiz Mehdiyev, the former head of the Presidential Administration, expires this week.
Medianews.az reports that Ramiz Mehdiyev, accused under Articles 278.1, 274, and 193-1.3.2 of the Criminal Code, was placed under house arrest for 4 months on October 14, 2025, by the decision of the Sabail District Court at the request of the State Security Service (DTS). The duration of the preventive measure selected for him expires on February 13.
It is not yet known whether the investigation period will be extended.
For the extension of the duration, the investigative body must apply to the court, and the court must consider the submission and make a new decision.
If the investigative body sees no need to extend the duration, a decision should be made to end the preliminary investigation and submit the case to the court.
Thus, in any case, a decision regarding Ramiz Mehdiyev's case will be made this week.
Within the investigation of the criminal case opened against Ramiz Mehdiyev, three people have been arrested: AXCP chairman Ali Karimli, his advisor Mammad Ibrahim, and Vuqar Mammadov (Tofiqoglu), the editor-in-chief of the "Hurriyet" newspaper, Hurriyyet.az website, and "Hurriyyet TV".
The detention periods of all three persons will expire on the same day as the house arrest preventive measure chosen for Ramiz Mehdiyev — on February 13.
Therefore, new decisions regarding not only Ramiz Mehdiyev but also Ali Karimli, Mammad Ibrahim, and Vuqar Mammadov must be made by that day.
Ali Karimli and Mammad Ibrahim are accused under Article 278.1 of the Criminal Code, and Vuqar Mammadov under Article 182.2.4 (extortion by threat to obtain a large amount of property).
The investigation is conducted by the DST. The detainees are held in the DST's pre-trial detention facility.
Article 278.1 of the Criminal Code concerns acts aimed at forcibly seizing power, forcibly retaining power, or forcibly changing the constitutional order of the state in violation of the Constitution of Azerbaijan. Such acts are punishable by deprivation of liberty for 12 to 20 years or life imprisonment.
Article 274 concerns treason against the state. Treason, i.e., acts intentionally committed by a citizen of Azerbaijan harming Azerbaijan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, state security, or defense capability, including defection to the enemy, espionage, disclosure of state secrets to a foreign state, and engaging in hostile activities against the Republic of Azerbaijan or assisting a foreign state, organization, or their representatives—in all cases punishable by 12 to 20 years of imprisonment or life imprisonment.
Article 193-1 concerns legalization of property obtained through criminal means. According to paragraph 3.2 of this article, i.e., Article 193-1.3.2, a person committing the same act involving a large amount (defined as amounts exceeding 50,000 manats) is punishable by imprisonment for 7 to 12 years, with or without deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to 3 years.