Azerbaijan is set to introduce administrative fines for openly promoting prostitution on the internet.
The measure is outlined in draft amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses discussed at today’s session of the Milli Majlis.
Under the proposed changes, open calls to engage in prostitution via online platforms or information and telecommunications networks, as well as the public display of transactions related to prostitution, will be punishable by a fine of 500 manats.
The draft also tightens penalties for acts deemed to show clear disrespect for society, classifying them as minor hooliganism. Such offenses — defined as actions that disrupt public order and demonstrate open contempt for social norms, without involving violence, threats, or damage to property — would carry fines ranging from 50 to 100 manats. If deemed insufficient given the circumstances and the offender’s profile, administrative detention of up to 15 days may be imposed.
Separate provisions address online behavior considered offensive to public morality. Publicly displaying obscene language or gestures, or exposing body parts in a manner contrary to moral standards and national spiritual values on the internet or telecommunications networks, would result in fines of 500 to 1,000 manats. In cases where fines are considered inadequate, administrative arrest of up to 30 days may be applied.
Repeat offenses within one year would trigger harsher penalties, with fines ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 manats or administrative detention for one to two months.
These measures apply only in cases that do not give rise to criminal liability under the Criminal Code.
The draft law was put to a vote and adopted in its first reading.
