Azerbaijan toughens penalties for damage to cultural heritage
Azerbaijan has significantly toughened penalties for the deliberate destruction, damage and illegal export of historical and cultural property
BAKU, Azerbaijan (MNTV) — Azerbaijan has significantly toughened penalties for the deliberate destruction, damage and illegal export of historical and cultural property under amendments signed into law by President Ilham Aliyev.
The changes amend the Criminal Code, the Code of Administrative Offenses and the laws “On the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments” and “On Culture.” The legislation takes effect Feb. 1, 2026, following a presidential decree on its implementation.
Under the amendments, the illegal export of nationally protected cultural heritage items will be punishable by fines of 3,000 manats ($1,764) for individuals, 6,000 manats ($3,529) for officials and 20,000 manats ($11,764) for legal entities—doubling previous penalties.
The same fines apply to relocating protected cultural assets without official consent or conducting construction, restoration or other work that threatens their integrity.
Intentional damage to state-protected cultural assets causing “significant damage”—defined as more than 3,000 manats ($1,764)—will carry fines of up to twice the damage, or up to two years’ restriction of liberty or imprisonment.
Intentional destruction of movable cultural property will be punishable by fines of two to three times the damage or up to three years’ imprisonment, while destruction of immovable cultural property will draw fines of three to five times the damage or prison terms of three to five years.
Harsher penalties apply if the crimes are committed repeatedly, by officials abusing their position, by organized groups or out of national, racial or religious hatred. In such cases, offenders face four to eight years in prison, with possible bans on holding certain positions for up to three years.
The law also introduces penalties for negligent destruction. Violations of protection and use rules that lead to careless damage may result in fines of up to twice the damage or up to two years’ restriction of liberty or imprisonment.
Administrative fines were also increased for violations involving cultural monuments. Individuals who breach protection and use requirements face fines of 700 manats ($411), officials 1,000 manats ($588) and legal entities 3,000 manats ($1,764). Repeat offenses within a year will bring higher penalties, including fines of up to 6,000 manats ($3,529) for legal entities.
Additional fines apply for failing to halt construction and notify authorities when historical or cultural monuments are discovered during economic activity.
The Milli Majlis approved the amendments in a third reading on Dec. 30.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
