Azerbaijan's highest court has decided to overturn an eight-year jail term for the so-called "King of gambling" and send the case back for reconsideration.
The Supreme Court of Azerbaijan has annulled a previous verdict in the high-profile case of Yusuf Bagiev, also known as Yusuf Shekinsky, and his alleged accomplices, who were convicted for illegal gambling activities and entrepreneurship without proper registration. The verdict was overturned due to procedural violations and issues related to the evidence presented during the trial.
The case, which has attracted significant attention, involves Yusuf Bagiev, who is accused of organizing and coordinating a large-scale illegal gambling network. The defendants, Sarkhan Suleymanov, Tahmin Muslumzade, Nijat Zulfigarov, and Nuslat Khalilov, are alleged members of a group linked to Yusuf Bagiev.
Following the Supreme Court's decision, the case has been sent back for re-examination. The lower courts are now tasked with conducting a new trial that addresses the deficiencies identified by the Supreme Court. As of the latest available information, the new trial proceedings are ongoing, with no final verdict reached yet.
Yusuf Bagiev remains in custody as the investigation against him continues. The four defendants, Suleymanov, Muslumzade, Zulfigarov, and Khalilov, were previously sentenced to eight years in prison with the confiscation of their property by the Baku Court of Appeals. However, following the court's decision to annul the verdict, they have been released from detention.
The defendants continue to maintain their innocence and are seeking a complete acquittal. The outcome of the new judicial review is yet to be determined. It is important to note that the investigation against Bagiev is believed to span beyond the borders of Azerbaijan, and law enforcement agencies are conducting necessary investigative measures in the case against him.
This development marks a significant turn in the case, ensuring a fair judicial process for all parties involved. As more information becomes available, updates will be provided to keep the public informed.
What will be the outcome of the new judicial review in the case of Yusuf Bagiev, accused of organizing a large-scale illegal casino-and-gambling network, and his alleged accomplices? This re-examination, following the Supreme Court's decision to annul the previous verdict due to procedural violations, is covered under general-news, especially in the context of crime-and-justice, as the new trial proceedings are ongoing and the defendants continue to maintain their innocence.
