The trial over the fire that killed 7 infants at the Republican Perinatal Center has concluded at the Baku Court of Heavy Crimes.
Presided by judge Leyla Asgarova-Mammadova, the final hearing saw the defendants deliver their last words, followed by the verdict.
According to the court ruling, former director Mehriban Abbasguliyeva was sentenced to 7 years and 3 months, Hamlet Mustafayev to 5 years and 8 months, and Elnur Ahmadli to 5 years and 2 months in prison.
The previously imposed control measure was replaced with arrest, and the defendants were taken into custody in the courtroom.
The prosecutor had proposed 8 years for Abbasguliyeva and 7 years each for Mustafayev and Ahmadli.
The fire occurred on January 9, 2024, on the fourth floor of the center, resulting in 7 newborn deaths, 4 injuries, and material damage of 361,000 manats.
The investigation revealed that Abbasguliyeva abused her authority by increasing patient admissions, overloading the electrical system and causing the fire.
Additionally, deficiencies in fire safety identified by the Ministry of Emergency Situations were not rectified by the management.
The center, Elchin Najafov, Vagif Haciyev, Aynura Ahmadova, and Gulbahar Zulfugarova were recognized as victims.
