Azerbaijani rider says she has been barred from work for nearly a year after father’s arrest

Rider Gulay Farzaliyeva, who worked at the Serhedchi Equestrian Club under Azerbaijan’s State Border Service, said she had been prevented from returning to work for nearly a year following the opening of a criminal case against her father.

Farzaliyeva said she had not been questioned as a suspect or witness in the case, but had received no salary and had not been formally notified that her employment had been terminated.

Her father, Vusal Farzaliyev, was detained about a year ago along with several other people. Investigators allege that he bought saddles and other equipment from the equestrian complex that were later found to have been stolen. He denies the charges. After eight months in detention, he was placed under house arrest, and the trial is continuing.

Lawyer Khayal Bashirov said criminal liability was individual and that proceedings against the father should have no legal effect on his daughter’s employment. He said failure to pay wages could amount to a legal violation if her employment contract remained valid.

Elvin Mammadkhanov, secretary-general of the Azerbaijan Equestrian Federation, said the issue was an internal matter for the club and did not fall within the federation’s authority.

Anews.az has sent an official request for comment to the State Border Service. No response has yet been received.

Aytac Zeynalova, Gulnar Nazimgizi