The Milli Majlis (National Assembly) has approved new legislative amendments in the first reading, significantly toughening penalties for creating, leading, or participating in terrorist organizations. According to Operative Information Center-OMM, the proposed changes to the Criminal Code and the Law on Combating Terrorism were discussed during today's plenary session in Baku.
Under the new Article 214-4 of the Criminal Code, creating a terrorist organization or leading its structural units will be punishable by 10 to 14 years of imprisonment. Membership or participation in such organizations will carry a sentence of 7 to 12 years. However, the law provides an exemption from criminal liability for individuals who voluntarily notify the authorities in time to prevent terrorist acts or assist in identifying leaders and financiers, provided their actions do not constitute another crime.
The amendments also introduce modern legal frameworks to address emerging threats, specifically the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and specialized software in sabotage and provocations. Article 282 of the Criminal Code has been revised to include the disruption of critical information infrastructure, energy, transport, and telecommunications networks as criminal objects. Aggravating circumstances now include committing such acts during a state of emergency, martial law, or mass unrest, as well as the misuse of official positions.
These legislative updates reflect Azerbaijan's proactive approach to national security in an evolving global threat landscape. By integrating provisions for cyber-sabotage and AI-driven threats, the Republic of Azerbaijan aims to strengthen its legal defense against non-traditional warfare and transnational terrorism. The move aligns with international standards for counter-terrorism while ensuring the protection of the country's strategic infrastructure and territorial integrity.
