On March 11, the Baku Court on Grave Crimes held another hearing in the criminal proceedings against civil society activist Nargiz Mukhtarova, who is accused in the so-called “NGO case.”
The hearing was presided over by judge Leyla Alasgarova.
Mukhtarova told the court that after the verdict issued against her husband, Farid Mehralizade, a journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty who is currently in detention, she initially did not want to testify because she had lost trust in the country’s judicial system. According to her, she later decided to speak because she believed it was important to openly state certain truths.
Mukhtarova said she has never received a grant and has never signed a grant agreement. She stated that she only carried out certain work based on service contracts and received payment for those services. According to her, this work included conducting research for three books on gender equality and women’s rights, as well as preparing two programs. She said the funds she received were transferred to her bank account, taxes were paid, and the income was properly declared.
Mukhtarova added that even if she had received a grant, she believes this would not constitute a criminal offense and at most could be considered an administrative violation.
She also commented on the charge of “legalizing funds obtained through criminal means.” According to Mukhtarova, she worked under a contract with the organization Mercy Corps, and the source of the funds she received was the U.S. State Department.
Addressing the accusation of “committing a crime in collusion with a group of persons,” Mukhtarova said that the identities of those alleged persons have not been disclosed: “If they acted together with me, why am I the only one standing before the court today?”
The indictment also mentions Shahla Ismayil, chairperson of The Women’s Association for Rational Development. Mukhtarova noted that although Ismayil’s name appears in the case, no restrictions have been imposed on her.
Mukhtarova’s trial will continue on April 8.
Arrests in the “NGO case” began in March 2025. At that time, a measure of placing Nargiz Mukhtarova under police supervision was chosen. Currently, the judicial investigation in her case is ongoing. Mukhtarova has been charged under Articles 193-1.3.2 (legalization of a large amount of property obtained through criminal means), 308.1 (abuse of official powers), and 313 (official forgery) of the Criminal Code.
The post Nargiz Mukhtarova rejects charges as “NGO Case” hearing continues in Baku Court appeared first on MEYDAN.TV.
