Azerbaijani Student Faces Deportation and Allegations of Abuse After Istanbul Protest

Istanbul, Turkey – An Azerbaijani postgraduate student, Nanaxanim (Nane) Babazade, studying Anthropology at Istanbul University, is facing a deportation order following her arrest for participating in protests against rising food prices at the university cafeteria. Her lawyers allege that she was subjected to violence, humiliation, and severe human rights violations during her detention.

Arrest and Initial Detention Nanaxanim Babazade was arrested by police on August 21, 2025, for her involvement in the protests. Following her arrest, she was initially held at the Arnavutkoy Repatriation Centre. According to her lawyers, the simple act of protesting food price increases has been presented as an "organisation connection" or even a "foreign terrorist organisation investigation" against her.

Allegations of Ill-Treatment and Rights Violations Both of Babazade's lawyers, Ahmad Baran Celik and Veli Gunay, have detailed a series of grave accusations regarding her treatment:

• Physical Abuse: Lawyer Ahmad Baran Celik stated that his client was beaten during her arrest, sustaining injuries. Lawyer Veli Gunay corroborated this, noting that Babazade had "darp izleri" (bruises/marks of assault) on her neck and right arm.

• Verbal Abuse and Humiliation: Police allegedly insulted her for wearing shorts.

• Attempted Recruitment and Pressure: While detained at Arnavutkoy, police reportedly offered Babazade a role as an agent, telling her, "Work with us, cooperate." When she refused, she was allegedly forced to sit on a chair for 11 hours, denied permission to stand up. She was also pressured to sign a document stating she wished to voluntarily return to Azerbaijan.

• Denial of Basic Needs: As a vegan, Babazade was reportedly denied suitable food for 24 hours and was not provided with her necessary medications. Lawyer Veli Gunay also mentioned she was denied water at the police station.

• Forced Strip Search: During her transfer from Arnavutkoy to the Catalca Repatriation Centre, Babazade was reportedly demanded to remove all her clothes. Her lawyer stated that she resisted the naked search and was subjected to violence, with her head forcibly bent and attempts made to remove her clothing. Lawyer Gunay further specified that male police officers watched her during this strip search.

Deportation Order and Legal Challenges Babazade was subsequently transferred to the Catalca Repatriation Centre, where she is currently being held. A deportation decision was issued against her, cited as "violating general public safety".

Lawyer Ahmad Baran Celik has declared the deportation decision illegal and argues that his client's fundamental human rights have been violated. He also highlighted that attempting to deport her before the 7-day period for court appeals and objections has expired constitutes a violation of her rights. Both lawyers, Ahmad Baran Celik and Veli Gunay, confirm that they will appeal the decision and initiate a court process, though they note there is no certainty about her release even after filing a lawsuit.

Risk of Harm in Azerbaijan A critical concern raised by her lawyer is the potential danger Nanaxanim Babazade could face if deported to Azerbaijan. She is known as a vegan, women's rights, and LGBTI+ activist in her home country, and her lawyer believes she could be at life-threatening risk upon her return.