Azerbaijani official arrested for alleged disclosure of state secrets

The Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan has initiated a criminal case against Adalat Verdiyev, Chief of Staff of Civil Defense at the Center for Public Health and Reforms under the Ministry of Health, for allegedly compromising national security by disclosing sensitive military information.

The Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan has initiated a criminal case against Adalat Verdiyev, Chief of Staff of Civil Defense at the Center for Public Health and Reforms under the Ministry of Health, for allegedly compromising national security by disclosing sensitive military information. The case comes as part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to prevent the dissemination of state secrets and unauthorized details in media and online platforms.

According to the investigation, Verdiyev, a former military officer, participated in a media tour to the liberated territories on November 22. During the tour, he reportedly recorded and shared a video on social media that revealed sensitive information, including the positions, coordinates, and operational details of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and Border Troops. Authorities claim this act, accompanied by verbal commentary, caused significant harm to the country’s security and defense capabilities.

Based on the evidence, Verdiyev has been charged under Articles 284.1 (disclosure of state secrets) and 308.2 (abuse of official powers leading to grave consequences) of Azerbaijan's Criminal Code. Following the prosecutor's recommendation, the Binagadi District Court ordered his pre-trial detention.

The preliminary investigation is being conducted by the General Prosecutor’s Office’s Investigation Department, with further updates expected as the case progresses. This development underscores the government's stringent stance on safeguarding state secrets and holding those who breach such responsibilities accountable.

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