BAKU, Azerbaijan — Police in Azerbaijan arrested a politician expelled from the ruling party after being implicated in a corruption scandal over attempts to solicit a bribe.
The General Prosecutor's Office said late Wednesday that Gulyar Ahmadova will be charged with abusing public office to commit embezzlement.
Although corruption is reputed to be rampant in the oil-rich Caspian Sea nation, the high-profile exposure of public figures is rare, and the media are strictly monitored by the authoritarian government.
Footage appeared online in September showing Ahmadova discussing the size of the bribe required to secure her interlocutor a seat in parliament. The incident dated back to 2005.
Ahmadova faces up to 12 years in prison if found guilty.
(AP)
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
