Ramiz Mehdiyev News #RamizMehdiyev #SouthCaucasus #Azerbaijan Ramiz Mehdiyev, former Head of Azerbaijan’s Presidential Administration (1995–2019) and once considered the country’s “gray cardinal,” was arrested and accused of orchestrating a coup attempt against President Ilham http://Aliyev.In 2025, 87-year-old Recent Legal Developments (December 2025) Continued House Arrest: On October 14, 2025, a Baku court placed Mehdiyev under four months of house arrest. As of December 2025, he remains in detention as the investigation expands to include other political figures. Widespread Charges: He faces charges of:High Treason (Article 274). Actions aimed at seizing state power (Article 278.1). Lega

Ramiz Mehdiyev News
#RamizMehdiyev  #SouthCaucasus  #Azerbaijan

Ramiz Mehdiyev, former Head of Azerbaijan’s Presidential Administration (1995–2019) and once considered the country’s “gray cardinal,” was arrested and accused of orchestrating a coup attempt against President Ilham  Aliyev.In 2025, 87-year-old
Recent Legal Developments (December 2025)
Continued House Arrest: On October 14, 2025, a Baku court placed Mehdiyev under four months of house arrest. As of December 2025, he remains in detention as the investigation expands to include other political figures.
Widespread Charges: He faces charges of:High Treason (Article 274).
Actions aimed at seizing state power (Article 278.1).
Legalization of property obtained by criminal means (Money laundering).

Widening Probe: In mid-December 2025, the investigation implicated former First Deputy Prime Minister Abbas Abbasov, who was officially declared wanted for his alleged role in the plot. Other opposition figures, including Jamil Hasanli and Ali Karimli, have also been questioned or detained in connection with the case.
Dismissal from Commissions: On November 28, 2025, Mehdiyev was removed from his position as Deputy Chairman of the State Language Commission.
The Alleged Plot
The Plan: Authorities claim Mehdiyev conspired with a “pro-Russian group” to violently overthrow the government and establish a “Provisional State Council” under his leadership.
Russian Involvement: Pro-government media allege Mehdiyev sought Moscow’s support for the coup. However, some reports suggest the Kremlin ultimately refused to back him and instead informed President Aliyev of the plot.
Evidence: Authorities claim to have seized “funds, audio and video recordings,” and a letter written by Mehdiyev that outlines the plans to seize power.
Context and Analysis
Political Purge: Analysts suggest the arrest marks the final downfall of the old Soviet-era elite (the “gray cardinal’s” clique) as Aliyev consolidates power with a newer reformist administration.
Strategic Signal: The narrative framing Mehdiyev as a “Russian agent” is interpreted by some observers as a signal to Moscow regarding Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and a warning to domestic figures against seeking foreign backing.
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— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Dec 18, 2025