Azerbaijani Political Scientist Bahruz Samadov Moved to More Restrictive Prison

Bahruz Samadov

Bahruz Samadov, a young political scientist and Charles University Ph.D. student, has been moved to the Umbakı Penal Complex, a closed-type prison, for one year, according to his family. This prison is said to have a stricter environment than other prisons.

On December 1, the Binagadi District Court made the decision after Penal Establishment No. 11, where Samadov was before, requested it. His family said the court hearing was inside the prison, which they think was to keep them from attending. Samadov's lawyer said they plan to appeal the decision.

The prison said Samadov had broken internal rules multiple times, so they wanted him moved to a stricter environment.

Grandmother's Worry and Prison Conditions

Zibeyda Osmanova, Samadov’s 82-year-old grandmother, is very upset about the ruling. She said the lawyer told her Samadov is being sent to Umbakı for another year. Samadov thought he would only be in his current prison for five or six months.

Osmanova also shared how Samadov is doing mentally, saying that he told her books are the only thing keeping him sane. She also said her health is getting worse because she is worried about her only grandson being in prison.

Before the December 1 ruling, Penal Establishment No. 11 filed a complaint in November to move Samadov to a harsher environment. Osmanova also said that Samadov has been unfairly held in solitary confinement since he arrived at Penal Establishment No. 11 on October 17. A court had earlier rejected his complaint about this.

Background on Samadov's Case

Bahruz Samadov was arrested in Baku on August 21, 2024, while he was on leave from his doctoral studies in Prague. He was found guilty of treason under Article 274 of the Criminal Code and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Samadov is known for his research and writings that are critical of the Azerbaijani government, especially about the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and anti-war views. He denies the charges and says he is being unfairly prosecuted for his peaceful activism and scholarly views.

There has been no official response to the family’s complaints about the alleged illegal treatment and lack of due process. In the past, the Penitentiary Service has said that all legal rights are guaranteed for people in their facilities.