Another witness said that she taught courses and rented a classroom from Hajiyev. Another witness said that he had applied for a visa through Hajiyev to study at courses in the United States.
During the trial, Hajiyev filed a petition to transfer him to house arrest, but the court dismissed it.
Hajiyev’s second petition concerned witnesses who did not come to court. Hajiyev offered to announce their testimony at the preliminary investigation. The court granted the petition and scheduled the next meeting for August 2.
*Bakhtiar Hajiyev was detained on December 9, 2022, following a complaint by journalist Ulvia Alovlu. At first, he was charged under Articles 221 (“hooliganism”) and 289 (“contempt of court”) of the Criminal Code. In July 2023, he was charged under Articles 192 (“illegal entrepreneurship”), 193-1 (“legalization of proceeds from crime”) and 206 (smuggling) of the Criminal Code.
On November 7, 2023, he was accused under the Article 213.1 of the Criminal Code (tax evasion, unemployment insurance payments, compulsory medical and social insurance.)
Hajiyev denies all charges and says he is being persecuted for criticizing the authorities and calling for international sanctions against Azerbaijani officials and security forces involved in the repression. Human rights activists recognized him as a political prisoner.
On July 26, the trial of public activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev continued in the Baku Serious Crimes Court. Three witnesses were heard. One of them said that she had once asked Hajiyev for help in obtaining a visa for a tour to the Czech Republic and had no other business with him. At the same time, the witness stressed that she did not personally transfer the money, but made a transfer for the service.