“If high-ranking officials named in the Tartar case are not involved in the investigation, this crime will not be solved”

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Question: Arastun bey, “Tartar caseThere are new developments in the investigation of First decisions in some processes cancel was made. New arrests have begun. What conclusions do these processes give you regarding the investigation of this case?

Answer: There are visible and invisible aspects of the investigation, and what you mentioned is a positive dynamic and belongs to the visible side. We see that some of the necessary work is being done here, but that is not the end of the matter, as there are signs of invisible aspects of the investigation. It seems that the prosecutor’s office, in particular, was actively involved in the organization and execution of the crime military Prosecutors and defense ministry officials are trying to shift the blame. This may not go unnoticed by the investigation. But I want to hope that it will not be possible to deviate from the main line, because Tartar The impunity of the perpetrators of the crime can destroy the trust in state institutions and create additional tension in the country and society. And this Azerbaijan in reality no one can be forgiven seriously political is the issue.

Question: Can it be said that this process will be transparent and objective?

Answer: No, I have no reason to say that. The process could be said to be transparent only if it had public scrutiny or if the public was regularly informed of its progress. None of this yet. They imitate something, but it would be wrong to call it transparent. As for the objectivity of the investigation, it is not easy not only to say it, but also to provide it if you want to. The main reasons for this are the legal situation in the country, publicpolitical reality and a number of other factors. One of those factors, and perhaps the most important, is that the factors that could affect the investigation have not yet been eliminated. In other words, as long as many of the perpetrators remain in high government positions, it is not even worth talking about an objective investigation.

Question: If the process is investigated transparently and objectively, will many people be arrested? The large-scale mentioned in this process officials can also be involved in the investigation?

Answer: According to my calculations, if the investigation is carried out in accordance with the law, the number of people to be punished could reach at least 250-350 people. This is still the most modest assessment. Unfortunately Tartar The gang that committed the massacre managed to involve as many people as possible in their ugly deeds and make them accomplices to their crime. The reason for this is the lack of the rule of law in the country and the weakness of legal thinking in general. Among those who played the role of ordinary executors in the crime were some of them torture They did not want to give it, but they did it, accepting that it was an order. However, Azerbaijan The law states that no one may be compelled to carry out a criminal order. Regardless of the motive and cause of torture crime Everyone knows and understands that. As for the involvement of high-ranking officials in the investigation, I think that if this does not happen, then the crime in Tartar will remain unsolved. They are the main organizers of the crime. Therefore, it must be. Finally, it is also necessary to ensure the rule of law in the country.

Question: In recent days, there have been articles in the media about Najmaddin Sadikov’s past mistakes. Is it possible that preparations are being made for the arrest of Najmaddin Sadigov?

Answer: Najmaddin Sadikov is one of the two main figures who played a leading role in the preparation and implementation of the Tartar massacre. The other military Prosecutor Khanlar Valiyev. Justice for Tartar can be ensured only if they, as well as a number of other officials, receive a deserved punishment. Otherwise crime will be considered unopened and discussions related to it Azerbaijan will continue to shake the agenda. As for the fact that Sadikov’s name has been widely covered in the media in recent days, I must say that this is a positive thing and an indication that more people in society are aware of the criminal activities of the former Chief of General Staff. I can’t say whether Sadikov’s arrest is being prepared or not, but I can say for sure that he is definitely arrest should be. Not only because he was one of the main organizers of the Tartar massacre, but also because Sadikov’s gang continues to play a real role in the Ministry of Defense, which is the backbone of the country. This must be stopped, or we will be doomed to expect all sorts of surprises from this gang, which is a source of danger for the Azerbaijani state.

Question: What steps should be taken to ensure that the Tartar crime is carried out objectively and transparently, and that all of them, regardless of their identity, are punished?

Answer: First of all, those who lead the investigation must show will. Although I am critical of the investigation, I do not intend to overshadow the work done so far. On the contrary, civil and publicpolitical I owe it to myself as a figure. Provided that it is really objective and comprehensive. I must also note with regret that the will and efforts of the investigation team and even the Prosecutor General’s Office are not enough to punish all the perpetrators, regardless of their identity. For this, there must be political decisions, otherwise those who continue to hold high government positions crime it may not be possible to punish the participants. This is one of the consequences of not being a state governed by the rule of law. In a state governed by the rule of law, there is no need for political decisions, and law enforcement agencies perform their duties without paying attention to the political situation. This is not the case with us. In my opinion, one of the first steps to be taken is not to delay the long-term imprisonment of servicemen. free is to be made. Law enforcement agencies can decide how and by what mechanisms to do this, but the logic is that if a case is re-investigated after 4-5 years, it means that it was not investigated properly at the time.