Fazil Gasimov is an Azerbaijani economist and civil society advocate who pursued doctoral research at Istanbul University. His civic work has included efforts to expand educational opportunities for young Azerbaijanis. Together with economist Gubad Ibadoghlu, he helped establish the Azerbaijan Youth Education Foundation to support this goal.

In August 2023, Gasimov was detained in Turkey and transferred to Azerbaijan in connection with the investigation against Ibadoghlu. He later withdrew statements implicating Ibadoghlu, alleging that they had been extracted through torture. His case was subsequently separated from Ibadoghlu’s proceedings.

On 13 March 2025, the Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced Gasimov to nine years’ imprisonment. The Baku Court of Appeal upheld the sentence on 29 September 2025. He has continued to challenge the proceedings, including through an application to the Supreme Court’s Plenum alleging that law-enforcement officers knowingly gave false testimony.

Gasimov was convicted of acquiring or selling counterfeit currency as part of an organised group. He rejects the allegations and maintains that his prosecution is politically motivated and connected to his legitimate academic and civil society activities and his association with Ibadoghlu. International human rights organisations have raised concerns about his prosecution, and he is recognised as a political prisoner by independent human rights groups.