Afiyaddin Mammadov Honored with the "Nargiz" Award

Afiyaddin Mammadov

Afiyaddin Mammadov, the imprisoned chairman of the alternative trade union confederation "Workers' Platform" (Işçi Masası), has become the laureate of the annual "Nargiz" award, presented for efforts in the struggle for democracy in Azerbaijan.

The award ceremony for 2025 took place on December 20 at the headquarters of the opposition Musavat Party. The award was presented by the head of the Musavat Party, Isa Gambar, to Sara Rahimova, a board member of the "Workers' Platform" trade union confederation.

She read a message from Mammadov sent from Penal Institution No. 2.

"First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who considered me worthy of the 'Nargiz' award. Receiving this award during these difficult, repressive days that the Azerbaijani socio-political sector is experiencing is an incentive for us. I dedicate this award to the brave and hardworking journalists, especially the 'Abzasists,' 'Toplumists,' and 'Meydanists' (referring to journalists arrested in the cases of Abzas Media, Toplum TV, and Meydan TV). I dedicate it to the working class, who challenge oppression with raised fists. I dedicate it to the parties, movements, civil society representatives, and public activists who do not give up despite mass repression and brutal treatment. I dedicate it to the political prisoners held in prisons and their families. I dedicate it to my comrades who did not leave me alone either before or after my imprisonment. I dedicate it to all activists of the 'Workers' Platform.' I hope that these cold, dark days will soon end, and each of us will be able to see the sunrise and warm ourselves in its dawn," Mammadov's message stated.

Afiyaddin Mammadov, head of the alternative trade union confederation "Workers' Platform," was detained on September 20, 2023. He was accused of attacking a passerby with a knife. The activist rejected the charge, claiming he is being persecuted for his trade union activities and stating that he was actually the one beaten by that person. Human rights defenders have recognized Mammadov as a political prisoner.

On January 14, 2025, a court in Baku sentenced Mammadov to eight years in prison.