Wife of CEC chief’s son flees U.S. over domestic abuse claims – local media

The wife of Muhammad Panahov, son of Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission (CEC) chairman Mazahir Panahov, has filed for divorce in a Baku court, alleging severe domestic abuse during their time living in the United States, Azerbaijani news outlet Haqqin.az reported on Thursday.

According to the report, the woman, identified as 38-year-old H.P., married Panahov in June 2022 and soon after relocated with him to Los Angeles. There, the couple resided in a $2 million villa in the upscale Bel-Air neighborhood, reportedly purchased through a company registered in Panahov’s and his mother’s names.

Despite living a life of apparent financial ease — sustained by bank accounts in the UK, Dubai and the U.S. allegedly funded by Panahov’s father — the woman claimed the marriage turned violent due to Panahov’s alcohol abuse. She alleged that Panahov became increasingly aggressive, at times throwing empty bottles at her while she was pregnant. She reportedly suffered a miscarriage following one such incident.

After 17 months of marriage, the woman returned to Baku, citing fear for her life. Haqqin.az said her relatives had urged her to contact California police, but she opted instead to flee the country. Upon her return, she filed for divorce at the Binagadi District Court in Baku, stating that threats from Panahov had continued by phone even after her escape.

The CEC has not publicly commented on the allegations. Reuters was not immediately able to independently verify the claims.