Baku: The court hearing in the criminal case of Anar Asadli, the chairman of the dissolved Yuksalish Party, took place today, as reported by APA. Presided over by Judge Elnur Nuriyev at the Baku Court on Grave Crimes, Anar Asadli provided testimony regarding the ongoing case.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, during the hearing, Asadli mentioned his longstanding relationships with the victims involved in the case. He stated, “I had a friendly relationship with the so-called victims for years. Ogtay Gasimov almost never left my house. Ilham Huseynli called me ‘my political leader’. But today he is trying to arrest me.” Asadli further recounted his past dealings with Etibar Nasirov, another victim in the case, describing a financial transaction where he had borrowed money, which was later returned but not accepted by Nasirov.
Asadli also highlighted an incident from October 2022, where a former minister informed him about a complaint from Ogtay Gasimov concerning a monetary dispute. Asadli stated that upon contacting Gasimov, he was assured there was no such dispute. He asserted that all amounts claimed by the involved parties have been returned and expressed concern over the intentions behind the accusations, suggesting a deliberate attempt to have him arrested.
During the proceedings, Asadli’s lawyer, Zibeyda Sadiqova, filed a motion requesting that her client be placed under house arrest. However, the court did not grant the motion. The next hearing is scheduled for January 9.
It is noteworthy that Anar Asadli faces charges under Article 178 (fraud) of the Criminal Code. Initially placed under preventive detention in April 2023, Asadli was later released under house arrest but was rearrested in the courtroom following a motion by the injured party.