Azerbaijan tightens penalties for terrorism-related offences

The Azerbaijani parliament has approved tougher criminal penalties linked to terrorism and related activities, according to a final reading of amendments adopted by the Milli Majlis.

Lawmakers passed changes to the Criminal Code and the Law on Combating Terrorism, introducing a new Article 214-4 that establishes liability for the creation, leadership and participation in a terrorist organisation, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Under the revised provisions, establishing or leading a terrorist organisation will be punishable by 10 to 14 years in prison, while participation in its activities will carry sentences of 7 to 12 years.

Authorities may exempt individuals from liability if they voluntarily report to state bodies in advance, help prevent the offence, or assist in identifying those involved, provided no other crime has been committed.

The amendments also introduce technical updates to provisions on financing terrorism and public incitement to terrorism.

Separately, revisions to Article 282 on sabotage significantly broaden its scope. The definition now includes attacks on critical information infrastructure, energy, transport and telecommunications networks, as well as actions aimed at weakening scientific and technological capacity.

The law also explicitly adds the use of artificial intelligence technologies and specialised software as possible methods of committing sabotage.

Aggravating circumstances have been expanded to include offences carried out by organised groups, under martial law or a state of emergency, during mass unrest, through abuse of official position, or resulting in death or other serious consequences through negligence.

At the same time, the legislation provides for leniency in cases where a participant in sabotage planning helps prevent the crime in time and has not committed other offences.

The package of amendments was adopted in its final reading following parliamentary debate.

By Aghakazim Guliyev