On 9 March, the Azerbaijani law enforcement bodies arrested Nakhichevan’s former Minister of Internal Affairs Lieutenant General Ahmed Ahmedov and former Education Minister Mammad Garibov, reported Turan. 

The Nakchievani MIA noted that the investigation against Ahmedov is being conducted by Azerbaijan’s prosecutor's office but did not specify what exactly he was charged with. According to media reports, Ahmedov is accused of embezzling funds. Ahmedov served as the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for 17 years and was considered one of the most odious officials of Azerbaijan’s autonomous republic. His name was featured in scandals involving the persecution of local human rights defenders and journalists.

Ahmedov was fired in 2017. A year earlier, the head of the Ministry of National Security of Nakhchivan, Veli Asgarov, was removed from his post and later arrested. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison under articles “embezzlement on a large scale” and “abuse of office.” As for Ahmedov, according to unofficial information, he is accused of illegal imprisonment of persons who owe money to his brother Avaz Ahmedov. The latter was also arrested and charged with extortion through threats and illegal imprisonment.

In regard to Garibov’s arrest, the details of his criminal case have not been reported.