BAKU, July 18 — A disturbing incident involving public nudity and drug use in Baku’s Sabunchu district has raised eyebrows after the offender was ultimately released with only a monetary fine.
According to Qafqazinfo, the episode unfolded on the Primorsky highway in Bilgah settlement, where a man—later identified as S. Selimov (name changed), born in 1997 and originally from Salyan—was seen walking naked and engaging in lewd behavior in full view of passersby. The incident caused widespread public discomfort and drew swift police attention.
Selimov was detained by officers and taken to Police Department No. 14 of the Sabunchu District. Medical examinations at the Republican Narcological Center confirmed that he was under the influence of narcotic substances at the time of the offense.
In his statement to authorities, Selimov, who had previously worked as a restaurant chef, admitted to consuming an alcoholic cocktail at a local resort prior to the incident and claimed he had “completely lost control.”
Despite the gravity of the situation—including public indecency and confirmed drug use—a protocol was filed under Articles 206 (illegal consumption and possession of narcotics for personal use) and 510 (petty hooliganism) of Azerbaijan’s Code of Administrative Offenses.
Surprisingly to many, the Sabunchu District Court imposed a fine of 300 manats (approx. $176 USD) and released Selimov without any custodial sentence or mandatory rehabilitation.
The decision has sparked criticism on social media and among citizens, who argue that public safety and morality are being undermined by lenient enforcement. Observers are calling for tougher legal consequences for actions that so blatantly endanger public decency and well-being.
