Rapper Who Mentioned “Pasha Bank” and “Kapital Bank” Sentenced to 30 Days in Jail

Azerbaijani rapper Akbar Novruzlu, known by his stage name Epi, has been sentenced to 30 days in administrative detention.

On July 16, the Sabail District Court found him guilty under Articles 206 (unlawful possession of narcotic substances for personal use) and 510 (minor hooliganism) of the Code of Administrative Offenses.

His detention is reportedly linked to remarks he made during a recent rap battle held on the Baku Boulevard, which were seen as critical of politically connected financial institutions.

In video clips circulating on social media, Epi addresses another rapper, Paster (Parviz Guluzaade), with the following lines:

“You used to be radical too. You once dissed Pasha Bank — now go sit on Kapital Bank’s lap.”

Investigative reports and public knowledge confirm that both Pasha Bank and Kapital Bank are tied to Azerbaijan’s ruling family.
Pasha Bank is owned by Pasha Holding, in which President Ilham Aliyev’s daughters are shareholders. Kapital Bank is also controlled by the same holding — and thus indirectly by the Pashayev family.

Following his arrest, Epi posted an apology on Instagram, referring to his battle performance:

“This profession comes with a bit of vulgarity. Of course, I didn’t intend to offend. I’ll be more careful in future performances.”

Epi has been active in Azerbaijan’s rap scene since 2013.

Artists — including rappers and meykhana performers — in Azerbaijan have repeatedly faced administrative penalties or even imprisonment over the content of their lyrics.