Azerbaijani Politician Arrested On Corruption Charge

Gular Ahmadova

An Azerbaijani politician expelled from the ruling party after being implicated in a corruption scandal has been arrested.

The Sabail District Court in Baku ordered Gular Ahmadova to be held in pretrial detention for up to two months.

The Prosecutor-General's Office announced late on February 13 that Ahmadova will be charged with abuse of public office in order to commit embezzlement.

In September, a video appeared online showing Ahmadova, a parliamentary deputy with the ruling New Azerbaijan Party, discussing the size of a bribe required to secure a seat in parliament.

The incident allegedly took place in 2005.

Although corruption is said to be rampant in Azerbaijan, the high-profile exposure of public figures is rare.

Ahmadova faces up to 12 years in prison if found guilty.


Based on reporting by AP and RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service