Latest News & Updates

Bahruz Samedov, a peace activist and doctoral student at Charles University, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison in Azerbaijan on treason charges. Accused of collaborating with Armenian intelligence, Samedov and his lawyer deny all allegations, calling them politically motivated. His arrest and harsh sentence have sparked international concern over the repression of dissent in Azerbaijan, as human rights groups report a growing number of political prisoners in the countr

Prosecutor seeks 16-year prison sentence for Azerbaijani peace activist Bahruz Samadov on fabricated treason charges. A doctoral student at Charles University, Samadov denies spying for Armenia, highlighting his pacifist views and lack of access to state secrets. Learn more about the high-profile trial and its implications for human rights and free speech in Azerbaijan.

Two students from same Ganja school die within month under disputed circumstances. Conflicting accounts emerge as investigations continue.

GENEVA, Switzerland– June 20, 2025 – The Institute for Human Rights (IHR) and The Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS)...

Economist Fazil Gasimov is unlawfully held in "karser" for a hunger strike in Azerbaijan. His detention violates human rights, raising concerns about torture and prison conditions.

OSCE observers Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced Wednesday that his government will not invite observers from the...

70-year-old Chechen woman forced to apologize on state TV for 'witchcraft' in latest incident of decade-long persecution campaign under Kadyrov.

Turkey's Victory Party chairman walks free following court ruling on hate speech charges Turkish opposition politician Umit Ozdag was released from custody on June 17, 2025, after spending nearly five months in detention on charges of inciting hatred and hostility through social media posts.

Tofiq Yaqublu Tofiq Yaqublu, a member of the National Council and the Equality Party who is currently imprisoned, writes: Ilham Aliyev,...

Five Kazakhstani activists who opposed the country's nuclear power plant construction are set to stand trial, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal battle that has persisted since their arrests before last year's controversial referendum.

Elgun Ibrahimov On May 13, 18-year-old Elgun Ibrahimov, a resident of Ganja city, was hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury and...

Elgiz Mammadov Member of Muslim Unity Movement detained as family claims police fabricated evidence through forced drug administration A...

Ali Karimli and Ruzi Bagirov The Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP) is experiencing an escalating wave of arrests targeting its...

Nika Gvaramia becomes third Georgian opposition leader jailed in 3 weeks for boycotting parliamentary commission as ruling party escalates crackdown.

Join us for a critical discussion on the deteriorating state of press freedom and human rights, as we examine the systematic targeting of...

Elgiz Mammadov, Muslim Unity Movement member, hospitalized after alleged police torture and forced drug confession in Baku. Lawyer documents evidence.

Iran expands its public dog-walking ban to 18 cities, sparking backlash as critics call it part of a broader crackdown on personal freedoms and social behavior.

Three Musavat Party members sentenced in Azerbaijan for hooliganism; party claims verdict is politically motivated and demands their immediate release.

Temur Katamadze On June 10, 2025, Georgian authorities forcibly expelled Temur Katamadze—better known as the “Batumi flag-bearer”—to...

The number of political prisoners in Azerbaijan has reached 375 On June 9, 2025, the Alliance for the Freedom of Political Prisoners of...