Two Azerbaijanis sentenced as spies for Iran

Today, Faig Gurbanov and Seimur Rzazade, residents of the city of Lenokoran in the south of Azerbaijan, have been sentenced to long terms of imprisonment on charges of espionage.

They were found guilty under Article 274 (high treason) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan. Faig Gurbanov was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment, and Seimur Rzazade to 13 years of imprisonment.

The Baku Court of Grave Crimes started the closed trial in their case on November 25, 2014. On January 29, prosecutor asked to sentence each of two defendants to 15 years of imprisonment, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told by Anar Gasymly, an advocate of Faig Gurbanov.

According to Anar Gasymly, his client pleaded not guilty, and Seimur Rzazade agreed with the indictment.

Both defendants were charged with cooperation with the Iranian secret service "ETTELAAT".

Earlier, other Azerbaijani citizens have been prosecuted for espionage for Iran. The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on August 1, 2014, the Baku Court of Grave Crimes announced a guilty verdict to Khafiz Veliev and Agamir Agamirov, who were sentenced to life imprisonment under Article of high treason.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.