Prosecutor General: Both Azerbaijani authorities and public condemn writer’s murder

Azerbaijan, Baku, Dec. 22 / Trend K. Zarbaliyeva / The European Union's attention to the socio-political processes in Azerbaijan is commendable. Azerbaijan has always supported fair opinions and approaches, Azerbaijani Prosecutor General Zakir Garalov said on Wednesday, commenting on the European Parliament's resolution over the murder of writer Rafiq Tagiyev. "We are familiar with EU recommendations concerning the investigation of criminal case filed in connection with the premeditated murder of Rafiq Tagiyev," he said. Rafiq Tagiyev was brought to the clinical center with stab wounds in the chest and abdomen and severe bleeding on Nov. 19. The patient was immediately operated on. However, Tagiyev's condition deteriorated on Nov. 23. Doctors failed to save his life, despite all their efforts. Tagiyev, a physician of the medical emergency station No 8 in Baku, was stabbed by unknown people on Nov. 19, while returning home. The public was informed that an investigation was filed into the case at the department of the Khatai District Police Department in accordance with Article 126.1 (deliberate damage to health) of the Criminal Code, Gen. Garalov noted. Garalov added that the case was passed to Heinous Crimes Investigation Department under the Prosecutor General's Office on November 21. The same day a decision was taken to replace the article of the criminal case with Article 29, 120.1 (attempt to murder), but later on Nov. 24 with Article 120.1 (murder) of the Criminal Code on 4 in connection with Tagiyev's death. Taking into account that a crime was committed under mysterious circumstances, the investigative group was established by the joint order dated Nov. 22, 2011 to reveal people involved in the crime. The group consists of experienced employees of the Prosecutor's Office, the Interior Ministry, the National Security Ministry and the Justice Ministry, Garalov added. "The area, from the scene of the incident to the house where Rafig Tagiyev resided, was examined by the appropriate forensic techniques and equipment by fulfilling all provisions of the Azerbaijani legislation on criminal procedure and international treaties ratified by the state," he said. Garalov said injured Tagiyev and numerous witnesses were interrogated to check all versions of the incident. The survey, exemptions, investigative experiments were conducted. Installing the surveillance cameras along Rafig Tagiyev's route, the experts took the urgent investigative measures. The necessary expertise and other procedural measures have been assigned, Garalov said. "As Attorney General, I am in control of the investigation," he said. "I constantly hear the reports of the operational-investigative group and give specific instructions to reveal and to sentence the person who committed the crime, to conduct fully comprehensive and objective investigation. At present, the intensive investigative and operational measures are underway in accordance with the investigative and operational plan on the criminal case in terms of effective cooperation with other state bodies and the public." Of course, any illegal act, including the deliberate killing of a person, is inadmissible, he said. "The fact of Rafiq Tagiyev's premeditated murder is sharply condemned not only by the public but also by the officials," he said. "On November 30 and December 2, 2011 MPs and on December 1 the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations made statements to condemn Rafiq Tagiyev's murder. The trial was conducted. The public received relevant information through media." Taking into account that one of the investigative versions on a criminal case of Rafiq Tagiyev's murder was associated with an article about Islam, an official appeal was made to the Interior Ministry to take the adequate measures toward the threat may arise with respect to the "Senet" newspaper chief editor Samir Huseynov, which published the article, he said. "The security measures are being taken," he said. "The district police departments detached additional groups around the building, where members of Rafiq Tagiyev's family reside and near the town cemetery. Moreover, the police department is ensuring Samir Huseynov's security." Garalov said the reports of the investigation group on the results and the work conducted to solve the crime were heard in the Prosecutor General's Office with the participation of the heads of other law enforcement bodies on Nov. 26 and Dec. 14, 2011. The media reported about operational meetings and measures. The additional information about the investigation will be further provided, he said. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az