IHR

Azerbaijani peace researcher Bahruz Samadov attempted suicide in prison after prosecutors demanded 16 years for treason charges. The PhD student from Charles University was saved by a cellmate and is now on hunger strike. His case highlights Azerbaijan's crackdown on dissent, with international rights groups calling the charges fabricated. Family fears further suicide attempts.

Imprisoned Charles University doctoral student and peace activist Bahruz Samadov began a hunger strike on June 21 to protest a 16-year prison sentence sought under treason charges. Accused of spying for Armenian intelligence, Samadov denies the allegations as fabricated. His final court hearing is set for June 23.

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 country.