Nazir Habibov confesses to drug use. Video grab from a Turkmen TV report
On October 24, a well-known Turkmen pop singer Nazir Habibov was found guilty of drug possession with intent to distribute (Art. 292, Part 2) and possession without such intent (Art. 293, Part 1). The singer was convicted for possession of a large amount of drugs and drug use, ATN sources said.
They said Habibov had a lawyer. At an open trial in Ashgabat, the singer pleaded guilty to drug use, but claimed that he had bought about 100 grams of opium. The prosecutor requested 15 years of prison for him, and 25 years for his alleged supplier, after which the court went to recess. The hearing continued in the afternoon and ended at 7 p.m. Habibov’s sentence was 15 years of prison. The man, who allegedly sold him the drugs, received 25 years. Thus, the court fully satisfied the prosecutor’s request.
On October 4, Turkmen state television had broadcast a story (see below) about detention of a group of people allegedly involved in trafficking and sale of a large consignment of opium and Tramadol opioid pain medication. At the end of the story, they showed Habibov, who said: «I had a great life, and with my actions, I dishonored my parents, my family, my four children. I vow to never get involved in such unrighteous dealings. Forgive me.»
ATN sources in the law enforcement said that the TV story was made up of two parts: the first group of drug dealers was arrested in spring, while Habibov was detained in summer. For some reason, the state TV did not show the people, who allegedly sold drugs to Habibov.
Nazir Habibov is 27, he is married and has four young children; the youngest is only five months old. Another famous performer — Haji Yazmammedov, was arrested together with Habibov, but was released a few days later. The source said that «someone from the Turkmen establishment» intervened on his behalf.
People who know Habibov personally believe that the case against him was fabricated. Nazir has never used drugs, they said. ATN will follow up shortly with more information about this case.
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