Opposition figure Jamil Hasanli has denied online claims that he attempted to flee Azerbaijan, saying he was merely traveling to Dubai with his wife when he was stopped at the airport due to a previously imposed travel ban.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the chairman of the opposition-aligned National Council said he was summoned to the State Security Service (SSS), questioned for several hours, and later released.
“We Weren’t Running Through Forests or Mountains” – Hasanli Rebuts Rumors
Responding to reports that he was detained while trying to escape the country, Hasanli called such claims “nonsense” spread by “idle websites and individuals.”
According to him, he and his wife purchased tickets 23 days ago, on November 7, for a family trip to Dubai scheduled for today.
“We didn’t pack to flee through mountains or forests. This homeland is ours. We are not running away from our own country,” he wrote.
Hasanli added that his wife was allowed to board the flight, while border officials politely informed him that his exit from the country had been restricted. He thanked border officers for their professionalism and said the travel ban “gave him a solid reason to stay,” noting that his grandchildren had been urging him to visit.
Interrogation Focused on Mehdiyev Case, Elections, and Opposition Structures
Hasanli said SSS investigators questioned him for three and a half hours regarding the ongoing criminal case involving former Presidential Administration chief Ramiz Mehdiyev.
“When Mehdiyev was in power, no one wrote against him more than I did,” Hasanli said.
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He stated that investigators also asked about:
the Intellectuals’ Forum,
the National Council,
the so-called “Union of Billionaires” in Russia,
the 2013 presidential election,
his past candidacy,
and alleged funding sources.
According to Hasanli, he explained that these structures had “no finances to begin with,” making any claims of foreign funding irrelevant.
Travel Ban Confirmed, No Arrest Reported
Hasanli said he was treated respectfully, questioned as a witness, and released after the session.
The SSS has not issued an official statement.
