An Azerbaijani politician expelled from the ruling party after being implicated in a corruption scandal has been arrested.
The Sabail District Court in Baku ordered Gular Ahmadova to be held in pretrial detention for up to two months.
The Prosecutor-General's Office announced late on February 13 that Ahmadova will be charged with abuse of public office in order to commit embezzlement.
In September, a video appeared online showing Ahmadova, a parliamentary deputy with the ruling New Azerbaijan Party, discussing the size of a bribe required to secure a seat in parliament.
The incident allegedly took place in 2005.
Although corruption is said to be rampant in Azerbaijan, the high-profile exposure of public figures is rare.
Ahmadova faces up to 12 years in prison if found guilty.
The Sabail District Court in Baku ordered Gular Ahmadova to be held in pretrial detention for up to two months.
The Prosecutor-General's Office announced late on February 13 that Ahmadova will be charged with abuse of public office in order to commit embezzlement.
In September, a video appeared online showing Ahmadova, a parliamentary deputy with the ruling New Azerbaijan Party, discussing the size of a bribe required to secure a seat in parliament.
The incident allegedly took place in 2005.
Although corruption is said to be rampant in Azerbaijan, the high-profile exposure of public figures is rare.
Ahmadova faces up to 12 years in prison if found guilty.
