Shock in Sevinc Vaqifqizi’s Trial: Judge Farid Ayyubov’s Suspicious Decisions and the Collapse of the Legal System

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“The shameful incidents that occurred during the trial of Sevinc Vaqifqizi, a renowned journalist from Azerbaijan, deepen the issues related to the country’s legal system and the protection of human rights. Sevinc Vaqifqizi, recognized as one of the most influential figures in Azerbaijani journalism, has been defamed and arrested by the authorities. The events during her trial demonstrate how the principles of the rule of law and justice in the country have been compromised.

Renowned lawyer Elchin Sadigov writes in a post on his Facebook account:

‘Today, the appeal regarding the restriction of Sevinc Vaqifqizi’s conversation with her lawyer was being reviewed under the chairmanship of Judge Farid Ayyubov. Initially, the judges granted the request to remove Sevinc from the glass cage. The convoy stated that permission from their chief was required. The chief arrived and reported that permission was denied. After that, the judges reconvened and announced a new decision denying my request.’

In this trial, the frequent changes in decisions and disregard for legal procedures by Farid Ayyubov, the judge of the Yasamal District Court, exemplify the lack of seriousness in the concept of courts and judges in Azerbaijan. Allegations of Judge Farid Ayyubov expressing different decisions in writing from what was stated in court shake the confidence in the transparency and fairness of the legal processes. This demonstrates how the concept of courts and judges in Azerbaijan has fallen to a level resembling ‘puppets,’ leading to severe criticism.

The disgraceful events in Sevinc Vaqifqizi’s trial must be brought to the attention of international organizations. These matters underscore the need to strengthen Azerbaijan’s legal system and effectively protect human rights. The transparency of legal processes, the objectivity and independence of judges, the provision of fair trials, and the protection of human rights are fundamental for the development of a democratic and just society.

The existence of such serious problems in Azerbaijan’s legal system weakens the confidence in the rule of law and human rights, demanding an international reaction. International organizations, human rights groups, and other concerned parties should pay attention to these matters and urge the Azerbaijani government to reform its legal system and protect human rights.

The incidents in Sevinc Vaqifqizi’s trial are not only her personal issue but also indicative of how the rule of law and human rights are being undermined in the country. These events clearly demonstrate the need for legal reforms in Azerbaijan and more effective protection of human rights. Intervention by international organizations can assist in implementing legal reforms and protecting human rights in the country.

Finally, it should be noted that another aspect of Judge Farid Ayyubov of the Yasamal District Court frequently changing his decisions and failing to adhere to legal procedures concerns his handling of the case involving the eviction and handover of the ‘NEMI’ hotel located in ‘Targovi,’ brought by plaintiff Taymina (Abdullayeva) Yusifova against the hotel employee Tehran Rzayev and Shaig Ahmadov. Reportedly, the judge announced in court that the defendants T.Rzayev and S.Ahmadov were required to vacate the hotel. However, 15 minutes after the announcement, the decision provided had the names of these individuals removed, and only the decision to vacate the hotel was written.

‘24 saat‘