Milli Majlis adopts amendments on tougher penalties for terrorism in first reading

The Parliament of Azerbaijan has adopted a bill on tougher penalties for terrorist activities in the first reading.

Corresponding amendments to the Criminal Code and the Law 'On Combating Terrorism' were approved at today's plenary session of the Milli Majlis.

According to the document, a new Article 214-4 is introduced into the Criminal Code, providing for criminal liability for creating a terrorist organization or managing it, with a penalty of 10 to 14 years of imprisonment. Participation in such an organization or membership in it is proposed to be punishable by imprisonment for a term of 7 to 12 years.

At the same time, the possibility of exemption from liability is provided: if a person promptly notifies the authorities or otherwise assists in preventing crimes and identifying those involved, and there is no evidence of another crime in their actions.

Amendments are also made to articles related to the financing of terrorism and public calls for it, as well as to the relevant law.

In addition, Article 282 of the Criminal Code (sabotage) is updated: it includes new targets such as critical information infrastructure, energy, transport, and telecommunications. It is separately noted that methods of committing sabotage will now also include the use of artificial intelligence technologies and special software.

The bill also expands the list of aggravating circumstances, including the commission of crimes by an organized group, under conditions of emergency or martial law, mass riots, as well as using official position or causing grave consequences.

Source: Report