The criminal trial of the director and department heads accused in connection with a fire that killed seven infants at the Republican Perinatal Center has continued.
During the hearing at the Baku Court of Grave Crimes, presided over by Judge Leyla Asgarova-Mammadova, the defendants were in the final statement phase when former director Mehriban Abbasguliyeva requested a recess. The court granted a short break. After the break, it was revealed that Abbasguliyeva's blood pressure had spiked, and she was hospitalized. The trial has been adjourned until June 4.
The fire occurred on January 9, 2024, at the Republican Perinatal Center, killing seven newborns, injuring four, and causing 361,000 manats in damages.
The investigation found that Director Abbasguliyeva increased patient intake, overloading the electrical system. Despite warnings from the Ministry of Emergency Situations about fire safety violations, no corrective actions were taken.
Abbasguliyeva is charged with abuse of power and violating fire safety rules, while department heads Hamlet Mustafayev and Elnur Ahmadli are charged with violating fire safety rules.
