Economist Gasimov's sentence was upheld despite his innocence.

The Baku Court of Appeals refused to overturn the sentence of economist Fazil Gasimov, despite arguments from the defense and the convicted man himself that he was not involved in counterfeiting.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," on March 13, a Baku court sentenced economist Fazil Gasimov to nine years in prison on charges of counterfeiting. The defense called the sentence unfair and promised to appeal.

On September 29, the Baku Court of Appeal concluded the appeal against Fazil Gasimov's sentence and dismissed it, leaving the verdict unchanged, Nazim Gasimov, the convict's brother, told a Caucasian Knot correspondent today.

My brother will file a cassation appeal.

"My brother disagrees with the court's decision. He again pointed out the lack of evidence against him. He is accused of counterfeiting money, but he lived in Turkey for the past few years and was engaged in scientific work there. He was framed. My brother will file a cassation appeal to the Supreme Court," he said.

An employee of the Baku Court of Appeal confirmed the decision in Fazil Gasimov's case to a Caucasian Knot correspondent.

12:13 11.06.2025

Key points about the record number of political prisoners in Azerbaijan

In 2024, the number of political prisoners in Azerbaijan reached its highest level in the country's 23 years of membership in the Council of Europe. In February 2025, human rights activists reported 357 names added to the list, and in June, 375 names. The largest increase in prisoners occurred over the past year.

As a reminder, in May, Fazil Gasimov went on a hunger strike in protest against cruel treatment, and in June complained about beatings by guards.

On August 19, at a hearing in the Baku Court of Appeal, Fazil Gasimov requested a state-appointed lawyer. "We are unable to hire a lawyer at our own expense. Our financial situation is very dire. We are forced to ask the state to appoint a defense attorney," Nazim Gasimov explained at the time.

Politician and economist Gubad Ibadoglu was arrested in July 2023 and charged with currency smuggling and calls for extremism. In April 2024, Ibadoglu was transferred to house arrest. The defense repeatedly stated the need for the scientist to receive treatment abroad due to his deteriorating health in prison, but the court prohibited him from leaving Azerbaijan.

The criminal prosecution of Gubad Ibadoglu has caused a wide outcry abroad. The State Department and the US Congressional Human Rights Committee, the ambassadors of Germany, the UK, the US, and France, the European Parliament, and the PACE General Rapporteur on political prisoners have repeatedly demanded Ibadoglu's release.