In 1977, he graduated from the Law faculty of Moscow State University, named after M.V.Lomonosov, and in 1988, from the Baku Social Management and Political Science Institute. He started his career in 1977 as Assistant District Prosecutor, then served as Department Prosecutor of the Baku City Prosecutor’s Office, as Senior Prosecutor of the General Prosecutor’s Office, and as Director of the Organization and Supervision Department. Later, he served as Director of the Legal Department of the General Prosecutor’s Office, as Prosecutor of the Sumgayit City, and in 1994-2000 as Deputy Prosecutor General; in April 2000, he was appointed Minister of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan. He then was 4 times re-appointed to this position at the newly formed Governments. Since 2005, he has been the Chairman of the Judicial-Legal Council being re-elected several times. He holds the higher special rank of 1st GradeState Councilor of Justice. He is believed to have improved the judicial system of the country by bringing it in line with international standards. He is a Senator and Honorary Member of the International Association of Prosecutors, the Vice-President of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities and of the UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
Awards and titles
For the services made to the development of justice organs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, he was awarded with the “Glory” order, following the 30 June 2005 Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan; with the “Honorary Diploma of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan”, following the 30 June 2015 Presidential Order; and with the 1st grade Order “For Service to Homeland”, following the 20 November 2018 Presidential Order. For his efficient work in implementation of judicial and legal reforms and for significant contribution to the work of the Judicial-Legal Council, he received the Honorary Title of “Distinguished Lawyer of the Republic of Azerbaijan”, following the 21 November 2008 Presidential Order; he is also the Honorary Prosecutor. He also has been awarded with various domestic medals, received medals and other awards from international organizations and foreign states.