Latest News & Updates

Two high-profile political prisoners in Azerbaijan, economist Fazil Qasimov and investigative journalist Hafiz Babali, have launched a joint hunger strike from Penal Facility No. 2. The protest was timed to coincide with the opening of the United Nations’ 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in the Azerbaijani capital, according to statements released by their families.

Today, 17 May, #Baku hosts the opening of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (#WUF13 / @WUF_UNHabitat ), the United Nations' flagship global conference on urbanization. The forum is expected to bring together around 40,000 participants from 182 countries and to be covered by some 1,000 accredited journalists. Its theme reads like a promise: "Housing the world: safe and resilient cities and communities." On the agenda are the global housing crisis, inclusivity, a reliab

Another court session has been held for Asif Ahmadov. He is the head of the Ganja Regional Community Center. He was arrested as part of the "NGO case."

That’s what Elnara Eldar, the sister of Aghaali Yahyayev, wrote about her brother’s grim situation behind bars. Aghaali is a board member of the Muslim Unity Movement, and he’s locked up right now in prison No. 8—a place with some pretty harsh rules.

Ali Karimli, the imprisoned chairman of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP), was denied permission to attend the funeral of his father, Amirhuseyn Karimov, who passed away on May 9. While the elder Karimov was buried in the village of Azadkend in the Saatli region, his son remained in custody. Notably, in the past, some imprisoned opposition politicians and journalists were temporarily released to attend the funerals of their relatives.

Azerbaijan opposition figure Azer Gasimli faces dire prison conditions at Umbakı. Family alleges severe overcrowding, systemic medical neglect regarding a cellmate with Hepatitis C, and denial of basic rights. Read more on the evolving situation.

The court in the Nasimi District made a decision on an important case. Makhmud Faradzhiev, the son of a person who was a victim of Stalin-era purges had filed a lawsuit. He wanted the Azerbaijani government to pay him 1 million AZN, which's about $588,000 USD for the harm he suffered.

Human Rights Watch has urged UN member states to intervene to stop the implementation of the death penalty in Iran. The organization reports that Iran has executed a minimum of 28 individuals in the last six weeks.

In a meeting of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights international observers and activists discussed an increase in repression with around 400 political prisoners since late 2023.

The President of Voice of America Michael Abramowitz is asking for the release of Ulviyya Ali, a journalist from Azerbaijan. It has been one year since Ulviyya Ali was taken into custody by the authorities in Azerbaijan.

The trial of Rufat Safarov, a known human rights defender from Azerbaijan ended at the Baku Grave Crimes Court on May 4. Rufat Safarov has been in jail for a year and a half. He is the director of the "Line of Defense" organization. Rufat Safarov faces charges that he and others say are not fair.

The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kallas went to the South Caucasus on an important trip. On May 5 Kallas met with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. The main goal of this visit was to make sure Azerbaijan is a reliable partner for energy. They also talked about working on technology keeping the region safe and human rights.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is worried about Nargiz Mohammadi's health. She is a Nobel Peace Prize winner. Is being held in Iran. Her health is getting worse.

The United States Senate has made a decision. They have agreed on a resolution that says the government of Azerbaijan should let some journalists out of prison now. This decision was made to go with World Press Freedom Day. The Senate is worried about the journalists in Azerbaijan because the government is using the law to silence people who are saying things they do not like.

Authorities in Krasnodar Krai say they have removed over 18,500 meters of soil contaminated with petroleum products from the Tuapse coastline. This happened after drone strikes and infrastructure failures. People living in the area, environmentalists, and volunteers say the situation is much worse than what officials are saying.

Tofiq Yaqublu, a known Azerbaijani activist is going through a very tough time with his health. He is in prison in Azerbaijan. His health is getting worse every day. His daughter, Nigar Hazi is very worried about him. She is asking for help.

The Tovuz District Court made a decision about Haci Valiyev, the chairman of the "Young Veterans" Public Union. This union is not active anymore. Haci Valiyev is also a known advocate for war survivors. The court sentenced him to two years and six months in prison. This decision was made on May 6. Haci Valiyev and his supporters think this is a move.

Sevinc Vaqifqizi, the editor-in-chief of Abzas Media has been named to the "10 Most Urgent" list for the second time. This list is published by the One Free Press Coalition on World Press Freedom Day. It highlights journalists globally who are facing legal problems and imprisonment for their work.

Read about the deteriorating health of Tofig Yagublu in prison. His family reports he cannot walk without crutches following a hunger strike. Explore the international concerns, legal appeals to the ECHR, and the charges against the activist.

The 'Toplum TV case' intensifies as activist Ramil Babayev starts a hunger strike in Baku. Reports of torture, declining health, and legal pressure on journalists highlight the human rights situation in Azerbaijan. Stay updated on the trial.The 'Toplum TV case' intensifies as activist Ramil Babayev starts a hunger strike in Baku. Reports of torture, declining health, and legal pressure on journalists highlight the human rights situation in Azerbaijan. Stay updated on the tria