Latest News & Updates

Reports suggest that Afiaddin Mammadov, head of the Workers' Table Trade Union Confederation and a worker rights advocate, can't make phone calls at Penitentiary Establishment No. 2, where he is held.

The Talysh researcher Iqbal Abilov, who was sentenced to 18 years in prison in Azerbaijan, intends to edit a scientific collection from his prison confinement. A scientific almanac on Talysh studies will be published under his editorship.

Opposition politician Tofig Yagublu, who is currently serving a prison sentence in Azerbaijan, has been honored with the "Courage" Award by the World Congress of Freedom (WCF), which unites opposition figures, journalists, and democracy advocates from 60 countries with totalitarian and dictatorial regimes.

ECtHR fines Azerbaijan €1,125 for violating activist Amrah Tahmazov's right to a fair trial following his 30-day arrest over a critical Facebook post. This ruling heightens tension after President Aliyev stated the country will no longer accept ECtHR decisions. Read the full legal and political standoff.

Imprisoned Azerbaijani scholar Fazil Gasimov is facing a life-threatening health crisis, including vomiting blood, after a hunger strike. His family demands transfer to a treatment facility following his 9-year sentence in the Gubad Ibadoglu case.

Labor rights activist Aykhan Israfilov, sentenced on disputed charges, was moved from a correctional facility to the Baku Pre-Trial Detention Center (SIZO). His family fears for his health due to a leg injury. Lawyer Ruslan Aliyev asserts the transfer is illegal, arguing the prison regime can only be changed by court order.

The trial for Kenan Basgal, APFP member and Ali Karimli's bodyguard, has started at Baku Grave Crimes Court. Basgal denies charges of intentional harm, claiming his arrest was staged. Judge Mahira Karimova denied motions for dismissal and house arrest. The case highlights disputes over political prisoners in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan's Supreme Court delayed the hearing for jailed opposition politician Tofig Yagublu (Musavat Party). Sentenced to 9 years on disputed charges, Yagublu, a recognized prisoner of conscience, stood firm, asking the judge for "0.1 percent justice." The case review is postponed until a later date.

Bakhtiyar Hajiyev appeals his 10-year sentence to the Supreme Court, claiming the €12,000 received from the government was wrongly labeled as crime proceeds. His lawyer cites 70 ignored motions. The case involves money laundering (Art 193-1) and tax evasion claims. Final decision expected Nov 18.

Baku LGBTQ+ Murder:Yasin Ibadov (Ruzgar), 19, was allegedly murdered by his uncle on Nov 4. Explore the tragic details, claims of delayed police response, and the alarming rise of queerphobic hate crimes and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in Azerbaijan.

The criminalization of climate protest is a global threat to democracy & climate action. Our report exposes how governments use anti-protest laws & anti-terror statutes to silence peaceful activists. Analyze repressive tactics, from high arrests in the Global North to deadly violence in the South, and find urgent policy changes needed to protect civic space.

Activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev's appeal heard by Azerbaijan Supreme Court. Defense demands acquittal, citing charges based on illegal anonymous emails (coup allegations). Decision postponed; next session scheduled for November 18.

Labor activist Afiaddin Mammadov, sentenced to 8 years, reveals the harsh reality of prison: "We must continue the struggle here." He details the awful state of political prisoners, lack of medical care, and finding that allies have "completely different" goals.

Azerbaijan's anti-corruption sweep targets local government. The Deputy Head of Garadagh and the Head of Balakan were arrested on charges of large-scale bribery and embezzlement. Get the full details on the ongoing investigations and crackdown on official misconduct.

Journalist Ulviyya Ali, detained in the Meydan TV case, was denied lawyer access after objecting to a search. Her family alleges retaliation from the detention center head. This incident highlights the crackdown on press freedom in Azerbaijan, where over 30 journalists face politically motivated charges.

Public activist Vafa Naghi's father was attacked in Neftchala due to Naghi's work exposing a serious crime. The victim is ill; an official investigation is underway. Read the details.

Jailed Abzas Media journalist Hafiz Babaly protests the illegal blocking of his disability pension account, demanding access to his sole livelihood. The case involves 7 journalists convicted in Azerbaijan for their work.

Jailed Azerbaijani journalist Farid Mehdralizade (Abzas Media) wins the US National Press Club's John Aubuchon Press Freedom Award 2025. The award honors his courage and highlights the plight of USAGM-linked reporters imprisoned abroad. US Congressman calls for his and his wife's release. Read the full story.

High-profile arrest in Baku: Ramiz Mehdiyev's assistant, Eldar Amirov, has been detained for 4 months on charges of high treason and preparing a coup d'état, linked to the former Presidential Administration head's criminal case.

Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a disputed 97% victory in Tanzania's election. The win follows the barring of key opposition candidates and has triggered deadly protests. Reports cite hundreds of deaths and international concern over excessive force and human rights abuses.