The Presidium of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences has expelled former presidential administration chief Ramiz Mehdiyev from its membership. The decision follows his conviction for treason and a 14-year prison sentence.
Opening the Presidium meeting of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), Academy president and academician Isa Habibbayli said Ramiz Mehdiyev had committed criminal acts that damaged the country’s reputation and violated the statutory requirements for Academy members. He noted that Baku Court on Grave Crimes had sentenced Mehdiyev to 14 years in prison.
Participants stressed that attempting to forcibly change the constitutional order amounts to treason against the country’s independent statehood, calling it an unforgivable act unbefitting a scholar. Members of the Presidium firmly condemned the acts, which the court had found proven, and said Ramiz Mehdiyev no longer had a place among Academy members.
Following the discussion, the Presidium put the question of expelling Ramiz Mehdiyev from ANAS membership to a vote and approved it. Under the Academy’s regulations on the election, rights and duties of its members, the decision must still be confirmed by the ANAS General Assembly. The Presidium decided to convene the General Assembly for that purpose on October 30, 2026.
Details of the court verdict
Baku Court on Grave Crimes sentenced Ramiz Mehdiyev to 14 years in prison, but the term was suspended under Article 70 of the Criminal Code in light of his age and health condition. The verdict also ordered that proceedings be initiated to strip him of state awards and that his property be confiscated in favor of the state.
A criminal case against Ramiz Mehdiyev was opened by the State Security Service in October 2025. He was charged with legalizing property obtained through criminal means, treason against the state, and actions aimed at the violent seizure of power. Ramiz Mehdiyev served as head of the Presidential Administration from 1995 to 2019.
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