Azerbaijani scientist Bahruz Samedov has been convicted of treason and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, according to Radio Liberty's Azerbaijan service. The charges allege he collaborated with Armenian intelligence agencies.
During court proceedings, Samedov testified that he hadn't resided in Azerbaijan for six years and possessed no classified information that could have been shared with Armenian security services.
Prosecutors initially sought a 16-year prison term during the June 20 hearing. The following day, reports emerged that Samedov attempted suicide in protest against the proposed sentence, but was prevented by a fellow inmate.
Samedov was arrested in August 2023 on treason charges stemming from his communications with Armenian contacts. Authorities claim these contacts directed him to write articles critical of Azerbaijan's government.
The scientist had conducted research on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and publicly criticized President Ilham Aliyev prior to his detention.