BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. As reported, comprehensive counterintelligence measures
carried out by Azerbaijan’s State Security Service prevented
terrorist provocations and the collection of intelligence
information that had been planned in Azerbaijan by the special
services body of the Islamic Republic of Iran — the IRGC, Trend reports.
Azerbaijani citizens detained in the case — Tarkhan Guliyev,
Nijat Agayev, Asad Abdullayev, Rashad Rustamov, Khadija Agayeva,
Elvin Akhmedov, Narmina Shabanova, and Naib Ismiyev — admitted that
they were carrying out assignments from individuals linked to the
IRGC. They received explosive devices and carried out instructions
related to preparing assassination attempts.
The investigation believes that the organization of these
actions was handled by an officer of the IRGC intelligence unit —
Colonel Ali Asghar Bordbar Sherami.
Iranian citizens Yaser Rahim Zanki, Beynam Rustamzade Sahibali,
Hafiz Tavassoli, and Sheikhzadeh Sajad Mohammad Sati Sofi Evad have
been placed on the international wanted list. They are suspected of
collecting intelligence and preparing terrorist activities to
destabilize the situation in Azerbaijan.
The court has already handed down sentences to four defendants
in the case. Tarkhan Guliyev, Nijat Agayev, Asad Abdullayev, and
Rashad Rustamov were each sentenced to 6 years and 6 months in
prison.
Narmina Shabanova and Naib Ismiyev are accused of preparing an
attempt on the life of a state or public figure. Elvin Akhmedov is
charged with illegal handling of weapons and explosives. The court
has ordered their pretrial detention.
