Latest News & Updates

Abkhazia's President Badra Gunba rejected Russia's extradition request for three opposition members accused of armed robbery, insisting they be tried under Abkhazian law. This refusal is a critical defense of national sovereignty, highlighting tensions over perceived Russian political interference in local affairs before elections.

Baku site manager faces criminal negligence charges after 28-year-old Jumshud Jumshudlu died, falling into a sewer channel following a ground collapse. The Baku Water and Sewerage Department employee, Azer Jumshudov, denies the accusation. Trial resumes Dec 9th.

Azerbaijan escalates transnational repression against 24 exiled critics, including journalists and activists, using Interpol and politically motivated charges (terrorism, fraud). HRW condemns the use of in absentia arrests to silence independent voices abroad and harass families at home. Host countries urged to protect targets.

Political prisoners in Azerbaijan report increased pressure, limited communication, and blocked calls after the new SMMK committee formed. Activists claim their charges are fake and politically motivated retribution for civic and labor rights work. Read the full report on the escalating situation.

Kanal-13 head, Aziz Orujov, was released on November 27 after serving two years in detention on charges that rights advocates deem political. His release is a critical moment for press freedom in Azerbaijan, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by independent media figures.

Georgian opposition leader Nika Melia was sentenced to 18 months for contempt of court after splashing a judge. This new sentence adds to his prior convictions, fueling concerns over judicial independence and political pressure in Georgia.

Read about the controversial arrests in Baku following a march displaying USSR flags. Authorities cite public order disturbance, but legal experts debate the constitutionality of the charges, arguing Soviet symbols are not banned. Explore the conflict between free assembly and political sensitivity in Azerbaijan.

Imprisoned Azerbaijani labor activist Aykhan Israfilov (İşçi Masası) is on a dangerous hunger strike to protest illegal closed-regime conditions and the withholding of personal items. Framed for his political views after supporting couriers, his family fears for the disabled activist's life. ECHR already ruled his rights were violated.

Activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev has started a hunger strike after being placed in solitary confinement (karser) at Prison Facility No. 6. His brother raises grave health concerns. Hajiyev is serving a 10-year sentence and claims his 2022 arrest was politically motivated due to criticizing the Interior Minister.

Russia nationalizes the core assets of Tuapse Sea Commercial Port (TSCP), seizing them from Azerbaijani businessman Shahlar Novruzov following his arrest on fraud charges. Prosecutors cited national security concerns over illegal deals dating back to 1994 to justify the shift to state ownership.

ECHR rules in favor of 'Azadlig' newspaper, declaring a 2012 fine over a critical article about the Baku Metro's finances was a violation of press freedom. The court ordered Azerbaijan to pay €29,500 in damages. A landmark decision for journalism and free speech.

Six jailed journalists and activists in Baku formed the Committee for the Protection of Political Prisoners (CPPP) on Nov 24 to fight systematic human rights violations and protect the interests of 392 political prisoners. They cite compromised courts as the primary concern.

Jailed journalist Ulviyya Ali (Guliyeva) shares the poignant story of Enver, an exploited "household worker" in the Baku Pre-trial Detention Center. Learn about his unseen labor, his dedication of a 340 AZN salary to an old loan, and his simple, heartbreaking wish for dignity and a meal in freedom. A powerful testament to social injustice and the value of human labor.

Azerbaijani activist Afiaddin Mammadov exposes severe corruption and extreme overcrowding (1800/800 capacity) in Prison Facility No. 2. His letter details bribe demands for early release and denial of video calls, urging the government to declare a major amnesty and focus on job creation.

Political prisoner Elman Sheydayev starts a hunger strike and sews his mouth shut in an Azerbaijan prison, demanding the release of six religious women jailed on disputed charges related to charity work. This extreme protest highlights serious concerns about religious and political freedom. Read the full story.

Talish historian Zahireddin Ibrahimov's detention was extended by a Baku court on Nov 21. Charged with treason (Article 274) and inciting ethnic hatred by the SSS, the Russian citizen faces legal action over alleged foreign-backed actions against Azerbaijan's sovereignty. Full details on the case and his activism.

Chechnya's strict new dress codes (Gazyri ban, headscarves) spark debate: Is it cultural preservation, or a tool for political control and business advantage for the Kadyrov family's Firdaws fashion house? Critics argue rules often contradict Chechen customs (Adats).

Georgia's government faces intense international pressure over new restrictive laws, including the Foreign Agents Act and a voter ban for citizens abroad. Critics from PACE and the UN warn these actions push Georgia away from its Euro-Atlantic path and align it with Moscow's political views.

54 days of detention and forced exile: Read the harrowing account of Azerbaijani activist Khanim Babazadeh. Detained and deported from Turkey after refusing to become an MIT informant, she faced physical assault and inhumane conditions under the G89 code. She was forced to flee her home country due to safety concerns.

The historical path from the Enlightenment movement (M.F. Akhundov) to the 1918 Republic and 1988 National Revival. Analyzing M.A. Rasulzade's "Revival" ideal, the post-Karabakh agenda for national independence and human liberty in Azerbaijan.The historical path from the Enlightenment movement (M.F. Akhundov) to the 1918 Republic and 1988 National Revival. Analyzing M.A. Rasulzade's "Revival" ideal, the post-Karabakh agenda for national independence and human liberty in Azerb