Azerbaijan's 'Grey Cardinal' Accused of State Treason

The charge of "state treason" brought against Ramiz Mehdiyev, considered the "grey cardinal" of Azerbaijan's political elite and former head of the presidential administration, has shaken the country. At the center of circulating theories are his close ties to Russian special services and alleged plans to seize power.

As reported by the APA agency, Mehdiyev planned to seize power in Azerbaijan with Russia's support. According to the agency, the details of the plan were revealed by the Russian side during a meeting of presidents in Dushanbe, effectively betraying Mehdiyev.

This accusation is supplemented by other theories. According to Bakupost.az, Mehdiyev and individuals associated with him used large financial resources obtained illegally to finance "oppositionists" controlled by anti-Azerbaijani forces abroad. It is noted that this very group transferred compromising materials about high-ranking officials, including their phone numbers, to the foreign opposition.

As a key piece of evidence, some analysts point to Mehdiyev's connections with Russia. Political scientist Heydar Oghuz, citing a "reliable source," reported that Ramiz Mehdiyev's secret correspondence with the Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, has been uncovered. According to him, this very circumstance became the reason for the decision against the 87-year-old Mehdiyev.

It is noted that the levying of serious charges is not accidental and followed the arrest of the well-known businessman Adnan Ahmadzada. According to one theory, the charges against Mehdiyev were brought within the framework of the investigation into Ahmadzada's case.