Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan has detailed counterterrorism legislation with a broad definition of terrorism.
The Definition of Terrorism in Domestic Law
A 1999 Law defines terrorism as:
the commission of explosions, arson, and other actions threatening the lives of people or damaging their health, causing significant property damage or other hazardous consequences to the public, with the purpose of destruction of public security, the spreading of panic among the population, or influencing the decisions of State authorities or international entities, as well as threat of committing of such actions for the same purposes.Art. 1, 1999 Law of Azerbaijan on countering terrorism.
Adherence to Global and Regional Terrorism Treaties
Azerbaijan is a State Party to all of the main United Nations treaties on terrorism.
| Treaty | Adherence |
|---|---|
| 1973 Convention on Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons | State Party |
| 1979 Hostage-Taking Convention | State Party |
| 1997 Terrorist Bombings Convention | State Party |
| 1999 Terrorist Financing Convention | State Party |
| 2005 Nuclear Terrorism Convention | State Party |
Azerbaijan is also State Party to most of the major Council of Europe treaties on terrorism. As a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Azerbaijan has also ratified the 1999 Treaty on Co-operation among CIS Member States in Combating Terrorism.
| Treaty | Adherence |
|---|---|
| 1977 European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism | State Party |
| 2003 Protocol amending the European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism | State Party |
| 2005 Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism | State Party |
| 2015 Additional Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism | State not party |
Azerbaijan declared upon ratification of the 2003 Protocol that it would be unable to guarantee compliance with its provisions in its territories occupied by Armenia until these territories are liberated from that occupation.
Laws and Penalties for Terrorist Offences
Terrorism is punishable by a term of imprisonment ranging from 10 to 14 years. The Criminal Code defines terrorism in the same terms as it does in the 1999 Law on Countering Terrorism:
commission of explosion, arson or other actions (acts of terrorism) destroying the lives of people, causing harm to their health, significant property damage or other socially dangerous consequences committed with a view to infringing public safety, intimidating the population or influencing acceptance of decisions by the State authorities or international organizations, and also threat of commitment of a specified actions for the same purposes.Art. 214.1, Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.
Where firearms or explosives are used in an act of terrorism or death or serious bodily harm results, the maximum term is life imprisonment.Art. 120.2.11, Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.
An attempt on life of the State or public figure, or a representative of a foreign State, committed with a view to discontinuing his service or political activity or for revenge for such activity (act of terrorism) is punishable by imprisonment for the term from 14 up to 20 years or life imprisonment.Art. 277, Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.
Children are criminally liable for acts of terrorism from the age of 14.Art. 20(2), Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.
Terrorism charges have been used against political opponents of the regime. It has been reported that in October 2021, opposition activist Niyameddin Ahmedov was sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment for sedition and financing terrorism on what are apparently politically motivated charges.
Counterterrorism Capacities and Policies at Domestic Level
Azerbaijani law enforcement and security services have historically conducted operations to disrupt and prevent terror attacks, arrested and prosecuted suspected terrorists, and prosecuted returning Azerbaijanis suspected of joining or financing terrorist groups fighting outside Azerbaijan.
Glossary
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