French Prosecutor Seeks Lengthy Prison Sentences in Plot Against Azerbaijani Blogger

Rennes, France — Prosecutors in France have requested severe prison sentences for several defendants accused of involvement in an assassination attempt against Azerbaijani blogger Məhəmməd Mirzəli.

The case is being heard in the city of Rennes, where the alleged attack took place.

During the latest court hearing, the prosecutor called for the heaviest sentence — 30 years in prison — for Emin Gasimov, known in criminal circles as “Emin Nakhchivanski.” He is accused of carrying out the direct attack on Mirzəli.

The prosecution also requested the following prison terms for other defendants:

• Mehrac Zarbaliyev and Rovshan Gocayev — 22 years each;
• Emin Zamanzade — 18 years;
• Reza Malikov — 15 years;
• Khazar Khankishiyev, Ramil Sultanov, and Chingiz Ibrahimov — 5 years each.

According to the prosecution, some of the defendants were involved in planning the attack, transmitting the victim’s location, and providing logistical support.

Prosecutors also reportedly requested acquittals on several specific charges related to certain aspects of the case.

The court is expected to announce its verdict after the completion of the final stage of proceedings.

Məhəmməd Mirzəli, an Azerbaijani political blogger living in exile in France, survived a knife attack in 2021. The case has drawn significant attention from human rights groups and media freedom advocates, who have closely monitored the investigation and trial.