Case Explained: To the attention of citizens: Participation in armed conflicts on the territory of foreign states is a grave crime – Legal Perspective

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 29. According to the
latest investigations of law enforcement agencies and information
disseminated in the media, cases of participation of some citizens
of the Republic of Azerbaijan in ongoing military actions between
Russia and Ukraine, as well as in other armed conflicts, have been
recorded.

We note with regret that some citizens participating in those
military actions had died, severely injured, or were taken as
hostages.

We would like to declare that the Republic of Azerbaijan,
considers the life, security and protection of the rights and
freedom of its citizens as the supreme goal and duty of the state,
demonstrates a firm and uncompromising position based on the
principle of inevitability of legal responsibility for every person
who acts contrary to the legislation and violates the law.

Thus, participation in armed conflicts on the territory of
foreign states is not just an individual choice, but a grave, and
in some cases, a particularly grave crime in accordance with the
requirements of national criminal law and international
conventions.

According to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan,
being mercenary, that is, actions with the aim of receiving
material compensation, committed by persons who are not citizens of
the state participating in a military conflict or military
operations, who do not live permanently on its territory, as well
as not aimed at the performance of official duties, as well as
participation in the activities of armed formations or groups, not
provided for by the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, is
considered a crime and is punishable by imprisonment for a certain
period of time (from 8 to 20 years) or life imprisonment.

We want to inform our citizens that participation in armed
formations that are not provided for by the legislation of the
Republic of Azerbaijan, regardless of any ideological, material,
personal or other interests, is considered a crime.

The relevant law enforcement agencies of the Republic of
Azerbaijan have already initiated criminal cases against a number
of our citizens involved in such activities. In some cases a
preliminary investigation has been finished and the cases have been
submitted to the appropriate courts for review, and those found
guilty have been sentenced to long-term imprisonment. Currently, a
preliminary investigation is being conducted on other criminal
cases of this category.

Law enforcement agencies of our country take all necessary
measures to prevent the mentioned illegal actions, identify and
bring to justice persons who commit illegal actions.

We remind you that, according to the Constitution, the
obligation of a citizen of Azerbaijan is to observe the laws of his
state and protect his homeland. No material interests can be more
important than your life, freedom and future. Refraining from
illegal activities and protecting national interests is a moral and
legal responsibility of each of us.

We urge our citizens to be vigilant, not follow illegal calls
and respect the laws of our state.