The Milli Majlis (National Assembly) of Azerbaijan has approved amendments to the Criminal Code and the Law on "Combating Terrorism" in the final reading, significantly toughening penalties for the creation, leadership, and participation in terrorist organizations.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the new Article 214-4 mandates prison sentences of 10 to 14 years for establishing or leading a terrorist organization, while membership or participation carries a sentence of 7 to 12 years. The legislation also introduces a clause for exemption from criminal liability if individuals voluntarily inform authorities and assist in preventing terrorist acts or identifying other members. Furthermore, Article 282 has been revised to include sabotage against critical infrastructure—such as energy, transport, and telecommunications—and specifically addresses the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and specialized software in such crimes.
These legislative updates reflect Azerbaijan's ongoing commitment to national security and its proactive approach to evolving global threats, particularly in the digital and technological spheres. By integrating provisions for AI-driven sabotage and critical infrastructure protection, the Republic of Azerbaijan aligns its legal framework with modern international standards for counter-terrorism. The Milli Majlis (National Assembly) frequently reviews security protocols to ensure the stability of the country and the protection of its strategic assets in the South Caucasus region.
