Rustam Ibragimbekov should return to Azerbaijan, experts believe

Rustam Ibragimbekov should return to Azerbaijan, experts believe

Azerbaijani experts believe that the Oscar-winning scriptwriter Rustam Ibragimbekov, who currently lives in Russia, should return to Azerbaijan in order to lead his presidential campaign. Ibragimbekov has previously been nominated as presidential candidate by all major opposition forces.

Head of the South Caucasus political analysis club Ilgar Velizade says it's nonsense for a person to be running for president but remain abroad. "Of course he has to return to Azerbaijan," the expert says.

He noted however that the central electoral commission may find legal cause not to register him as presidential candidate. Ibragimbekov has already renounced his Russian citizenship, but the procedure will be finalized only in sixth months. This means that the commission may reject his application, the expert explains.

Head of the Turan news agency Mekhman Aliyev says that there is a real danger that Ibragimbekov may be arrested if he returns to the country. The authorities have already started a criminal case against the famous screenwriter, Aliyev notes.

According to the expert, Ibragimbekov probably isn't scared, but he doesn't want to sabotage his own campaign by going to prison. That's why it's still uncertain whether he will return to Azerbaijan or not.

Professor Dzhamil Gasanly of Khazar University believes that Ibragimbekov has nothing to be afraid of. "He is a famous person, a member of the Azerbaijani elite. He is a very influential person. I don't think he will have any problems," he says.