Starting from July 1, marriages between close relatives have been legally banned in Azerbaijan, yet some citizens still fail to take this rule seriously. There are even those who believe they can simply pay a fine and avoid any real consequences after getting married. However, the legislation provides not only for financial penalties but also more serious legal repercussions in such cases.
Can one really get away with just paying a fine?
Speaking to Globalinfo.az, lawyer Asim Abbasov stated that individuals who violate the ban on marriages between relatives bear both administrative and criminal liability:
“Significant amendments have been made to the Family, Criminal, and Administrative Offenses Codes to prevent early and consanguineous marriages. This is considered a crucial step in forming a healthy future for society and protecting children’s rights. According to the amendment to Article 12 of the Family Code, direct biological relatives — for example, an uncle and his niece, or an aunt and her nephew — are now prohibited from marrying. Responsibility for such cases is not limited to fines alone. Under Articles 176-1 and 176-2 of the Criminal Code, individuals who organize such marriages or force a woman into marriage may face fines ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 manats or imprisonment for two to four years.”
The lawyer also reminded that parents or other persons who organize the early marriage of a minor will be held accountable:
“Engagements, matchmaking, religious wedding ceremonies, and other related events connected to early marriages are also prohibited by law. Articles 189-1, 189-2, and 189-3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses stipulate penalties for these actions. In such cases, administrative fines or detention may be imposed. These legislative changes have already come into force and are effective as of July 1, 2025. The notion that one can simply pay a fine and resolve the issue is no longer valid under the new legal framework.”
Translated from Globalinfo.az
