Bahruz Samadov's Detention in Disciplinary Cell Extended for Another Month

In Azerbaijan, the detention of political analyst and anti-war activist Bahruz Samadov in a disciplinary cell (kartser) has been extended for another month. The researcher stated that his disciplinary punishment is unwarranted.

On October 26, Samadov's grandmother, Zibeyda Osmanova, met with him at Correctional Institution No. 11, public activist Amrah Tahmazov reported.

Samadov told his grandmother that his period of detention in the disciplinary cell expired on October 25, but his stay there was extended for another month.

Samadov is indignant that he was arrested, convicted while being innocent, and is now being kept in a disciplinary cell without any grounds. Bahruz is outraged by the closed nature of the court proceedings against him. He demands an explanation of which state secrets he allegedly handed over to an enemy country. "He was only an opponent of the war, he advocated for peace," Tahmazov said.

The anti-war activist also told his grandmother that he is in despair and intends to commit suicide.

Samadov also informed Osmanova that after the expiration of the one-month extension, he will be transferred to the closed section of the Penitentiary Complex in Umbakı.

"The head of the colony explained Bahruz's confinement in the disciplinary cell to his grandmother by stating that a Karabakh war veteran was also present in his cell. And supposedly, since Bahruz was convicted of treason, a 'conflict might arise' between them. But this is a ridiculous argument. Why would the veteran conflict with Bahruz? After all, Bahruz simply advocated for peace. On the other hand, if they are so afraid of conflict, they could transfer the veteran to a different colony," Tahmazov reported.

The 29-year-old Bahruz Samadov was detained in Azerbaijan on August 21, 2024, and arrested on charges of treason (high treason/espionage). According to the investigation, he wrote and translated articles on the orders of representatives from Armenia. The accusation is based on Bahruz Samadov's correspondence with three women from Armenia. Samadov himself categorically rejected the treason charge. Samadov is known for his criticism of the Azerbaijani authorities, which he voiced in foreign publications. The defense believes that his "anti-war views" were the reason for the arrest.

On June 23, the Baku Court of Grave Crimes sentenced him to 15 years in prison.