Trial opens in Baku for public figure Mehriban Rahimli

A preparatory hearing was held at the Baku Court for Grave Crimes in the case of public figure and Azerbaijan adviser to a U.S. foundation Mehriban Rahimli, who is charged as part of the so-called “NGO case”.

The hearing was chaired by Judge Namik Karimov. The defence said Rahimli did not participate in the signing or distribution of grant agreements and acted solely as a consultant under a service contract, adding that all tax obligations had been fulfilled.

Her lawyer requested the termination of the criminal proceedings and a change in preventive measures.

State prosecutor Suleyman Hasanov opposed the requests.

The court rejected the defence motions and scheduled the first substantive hearing for Feb. 26.

Rahimli faces charges including large-scale money laundering, abuse of office and official forgery under Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code.