A court hearing has commenced regarding the criminal case initiated by the State Security Service (SSS) against Khagani Omarov, Anar Salamzade, and Elchin Azizov, who are accused of financing terrorism, APA reports.
The court investigation was declared open in trial held in Baku Court for Grave Crimes under the chairmanship of Judge Nigar Imanova.
The state prosecutor announced the concluding part of the indictment.
It was revealed that the acquaintances of the accused, Shukur Hamidli and Elshan Mustafayev, traveling first to Türkiye and then to Syria they participated in the fighting.
According to the indictment, the accused transferred money from their own incomes and from funds collected via social networks through bank cards to several individuals living abroad, who were the holders of cards sent by Shukur Hamidli.
Similarly, transfers were also made to Elshan Mustafayev. A portion of those funds reached Shukur Hamidli in Syria, while the rest was delivered to others.
This has been interpreted as support for ISIS, which both individuals are presumed to be members of.
During the hearing, Anar Salamzade gave testimony, stating that Shukur Hamidli had been his classmate and friend. He had moved to Syria some time ago and later asked for help due to the situation.
At his request, the accused provided assistance to Shukur Hamidli: "Three months after moving to Syria, Shukur Hamidli wrote to me, saying he was happy I had started practicing worship. He told me he had gotten married and was currently fighting against Syrian government forces. However, he needed financial support. Later, he sent me videos and said the situation was dire, and that money was needed for daily necessities like tents and food. I sent money to help them with food aid. No weapons were bought with the money I sent. I do not know Elshan Mustafayev and the others mentioned in the indictment at all. I have no connection to ISIS. As far as I know, Shukur Hamidli was a member of another armed group fighting against the Syrian government forces. He also had no connection with ISIS. I work in Sheki, earning a salary of 500–600 manats. I have previously given charity in Sheki, provided aid. If I had thought it was a terrorist organization, I would not have provided any help. After I was detained, I was told that the group had connections to ISIS."
Answering the state prosecutor’s questions, the accused said that he sent money not only to Syria, but also to Sheki, Türkiye, and Russia for aid purposes.
According to him, Shukur had sent the combat videos out of interest.
In his testimony, Anar Salamzade said that he did not know Khagani Omarov, another accused: "In February of last year, I sent money to Shukur Hamidli. During the investigation, I learned that the money reached a person named Khagani. I do not know him."
Khagani Omarov, in his testimony, stated that Elshan Mustafayev is his brother-in-law: "Elshan Mustafayev is my sister’s husband. My sister was previously married to Elkhan. They moved to Syria in 2013. Recently, my sister married Elshan. Elshan asked me for a bank card to help my sister. I gave him my card, and money transfers began. I do not know who sent the money. I myself did not send any money to Syria. They were planning to sell their house in Syria and buy one in Sumgayit. He said they wanted to bring my sister back to Azerbaijan. I only supported the collection of 30,000 manats. I had no information about any support for terrorism. Elshan took the nickname 'Abu Usama' for himself. But I do not know why he did that."
The trial will continue on May 27.
Note that the mentioned individuals were detained as a result of an operation carried out by the State Security Service (SSS). The investigation determined that the accused transferred financial resources to certain individuals operating abroad in support of terrorism. The accused have been charged under Article 214-1 of the Criminal Code (financing of terrorism).
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