President Ilham Aliyev has approved legislative amendments to the Criminal Code and the Law on Combating Terrorism, significantly toughening penalties for creating, leading, or participating in terrorist organizations in Azerbaijan.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the new legal framework introduces Article 214-4 to the Criminal Code, which specifically defines criminal liability for involvement in terrorist groups. Under the new regulations, establishing or leading a terrorist organization or its structural units is punishable by 10 to 14 years of imprisonment. Membership or active participation in such organizations now carries a prison sentence ranging from 7 to 12 years.
The legislation includes a provision for leniency; individuals who voluntarily notify the authorities or assist in preventing criminal acts and identifying leaders or financiers may be exempted from criminal liability, provided their actions do not constitute another crime. Furthermore, Article 282 has been revised to address modern threats, including sabotage against critical information infrastructure, energy, transport, and telecommunications networks. The law now specifically recognizes the use of artificial intelligence technologies and specialized software as methods for committing sabotage. Aggravating circumstances, such as committing these acts during a state of emergency, martial law, or through the abuse of official positions, will result in more severe sentencing.
These legislative updates reflect Azerbaijan's proactive stance in strengthening national security and aligning its legal framework with contemporary global security challenges. By addressing the use of advanced technologies in sabotage and providing clear incentives for cooperation with law enforcement, the Republic of Azerbaijan aims to enhance its preventive measures against radicalism and organized extremist activities. The amendments also underscore the government's commitment to protecting the country's strategic infrastructure and maintaining public order in an increasingly complex regional security environment.
