Under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, certain categories of individuals are exempt from life imprisonment sentences. Nahid Mirzayev, a judge at the Sumgait Grave Crimes Court, clarified that women, minors, and men who have reached the age of 65 by the time of sentencing cannot be handed life terms, regardless of the severity of the crime.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that according to the judge, crimes in Azerbaijan are classified into four categories based on their nature and level of public danger: those not posing a great public danger, less serious, serious, and especially serious. Intentional homicide is categorized as an especially serious crime, carrying significant penalties. While standard homicide carries a sentence of 9 to 14 years, aggravated cases involving greed or hooliganism can lead to 14 to 20 years or life imprisonment. However, for minors aged 14 to 18, the maximum penalty is capped at 10 years.
The Azerbaijani legal system incorporates a humanitarian approach toward vulnerable groups and the elderly, aligning with international judicial standards. Convicts sentenced for intentional homicide typically serve their terms in strict-regime correctional facilities, while recidivists may be sent to special-regime institutions. Those serving life sentences are held in high-security prisons. These regulations reflect the ongoing legal reforms in Azerbaijan aimed at balancing public safety with judicial proportionality and human rights.
