What led to Ramiz Mehdiyev’s downfall after his dismissal in 2019? These factors led to his eventual house arrest in October 2025 on charges of treason.After his dismissal in 2019, Ramiz Mehdiyev’s position eroded due to a combination of political sidelining, a high-profile scandal involving a family wedding during COVID-19 lockdowns, corruption allegations, and a reported failed coup attempt with Russian backing. Initial dismissal and transition (2019) Political realignment: In October 2019, President Ilham Aliyev dismissed Mehdiyev from his post as head of the Presidential Administration. The move was framed as making way for a younger generation of reform-minded officials. Aliyev awarded

What led to Ramiz Mehdiyev’s downfall after his dismissal in 2019?

These factors led to his eventual house arrest in October 2025 on charges of treason.After his dismissal in 2019, Ramiz Mehdiyev’s position eroded due to a combination of political sidelining, a high-profile scandal involving a family wedding during COVID-19 lockdowns, corruption allegations, and a reported failed coup attempt with Russian backing.
Initial dismissal and transition (2019)
Political realignment: In October 2019, President Ilham Aliyev dismissed Mehdiyev from his post as head of the Presidential Administration. The move was framed as making way for a younger generation of reform-minded officials. Aliyev awarded him a state medal for his service, suggesting the departure was amicable at the time, though analysts viewed it as a sign of Mehdiyev losing influence.
New role at ANAS: Mehdiyev was subsequently appointed president of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan (ANAS), a position of less political power.
The 2020 wedding scandal
Violating pandemic rules: In August 2020, Mehdiyev’s family held a lavish wedding for his granddaughter that violated strict COVID-19 pandemic lockdown measures.
Public backlash: The event caused a public outcry and drew the attention of both the public and state officials. Several attendees, including officials, were detained, and Mehdiyev’s son-in-law was stripped of his parliamentary immunity. The scandal significantly damaged Mehdiyev’s public standing and embarrassed the government.
Resignation from ANAS and corruption probe (2022)
Growing pressure: As his influence continued to wane, Mehdiyev resigned from his ANAS position in February 2022, citing his age. His resignation followed persistent pressure from internal factions, with reports that nearly all of the ANAS institutes had demanded he step down.
Corruption investigation: The Prosecutor General’s Office later launched a criminal investigation into “numerous irregularities and illegalities” at ANAS during Mehdiyev’s tenure.
Alleged coup attempt and arrest (2025)
Sidelined and resentful: Analysts suggest that after being politically sidelined and humiliated in the preceding years, Mehdiyev became resentful.
Russia-backed plot: In October 2025, pro-government media reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin informed Ilham Aliyev of a coup plot orchestrated by Mehdiyev. Mehdiyev allegedly sought Russian support to seize power during a period of rising tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia.
Formal charges: A Baku court subsequently placed the 87-year-old Mehdiyev under four months of house arrest. He was charged with treason, attempting to seize power by force, and money laundering.
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— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Oct 20, 2025