Baku: The trial of the members of the "Gisas Group" (Revenge Group) accused of terrorism has concluded, APA reports. The verdict was announced during a judicial session chaired by Judge Novruz Karimov at the Baku Court on Grave Crimes.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the accused Faig Zeynalov was sentenced to 17 years, Huseyn Huseynzade to 16 years, Etibar Mammadzade to 16 years, Ilham Shikhaliyev to 17 years, Ilkin Baghirov to 16 years, Vugar Madatov to 16 years, Elvin Jafarov to 15 years and 6 months, Elgun Aghayev to 16 years, Yusif Mirzayev to 15 years and 6 months, Ruslan Aliyev to 15 years and 6 months, Savalan Huseynli to 15 years and 6 months, Maharramali Musayev to 15 years and 6 months, and Mir Vasid Aliyev to 10 years of imprisonment.
The accused individuals were detained as a result of joint operational-investigative measures carried out by the State Security Service (SSS) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The accused in the criminal case, the investigation of which was concluded by the State Security Service, were charged under Articles 170.3, 234.1-1, 274, 28, 277, and 278.2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Materials of the criminal case revealed cooperation with foreign intelligence services. Under the instruction of Rufulla Hojjat Akhundzade, the members of a secret group called "Gisas," created on the Telegram instant messaging platform by Ilham Kamal oglu Shikhaliyev, received assignments to photograph various military and strategic sites in Baku and Sumgait. The collected data was sent to Rufulla Akhundzade (currently residing abroad) and his son Alimursal Akhundzade, with plans to establish a Sharia-based religious state named 'Karima' in Azerbaijan.
Former Minister of Education Misir Mardanov and the head of 'Real TV,' Mir Shahin Agayev, were recognized as victims in the case. The accused repeatedly gave confessional statements during the investigation. The case materials include video footage of the accused swearing allegiance to Rufulla Akhundzade, communications related to criminal activities, and audio recordings.