Committee for the Protection of Political Prisoners Created in Azerbaijani Colony

Six journalists, experts, and activists serving prison sentences in Baku Correctional Facility N2 announced the creation of the "Committee for the Protection of Political Prisoners" (CPPP) on November 24.

In the statement released by the convicted individuals, titled "Initiative Group of the Committee for the Protection of Political Prisoners," it is noted that the decision to create such a group was made given that "violations in Azerbaijan of human rights and freedoms, including freedom of thought and speech, conscience, information, assembly, freedom to live in safety," as well as encroachments on personal integrity, honor and dignity, and the presumption of innocence, "have reached a critical level and acquired a systematic nature."

"Stating with great concern how the courts, called upon to dispense justice, have completely lost the status of independent organs of power and have turned into centers of lawlessness and injustice where political orders are carried out, we declare to the public the creation of the 'Committee for the Protection of Political Prisoners'," the statement from the convicted individuals, received by the correspondent from their relatives, further states.

The statement outlines the goals and objectives of the CPPP:

• To protect and defend the rights and interests of political prisoners, both domestically and abroad, by all legal means;

• To ensure an adequate fight against "ordered smear campaigns" against political prisoners in the local media;

• To inform the public about the progress of court proceedings;

• To establish communication with local and international organizations for the release of political prisoners.

The Committee intends to publish reports on its activities, create an official social media account (through its representatives), and interact with the Penitentiary Service and the apparatus of the Commissioner for Human Rights on issues concerning the conditions of detention for political prisoners. The CPPP also intends to use opportunities for cooperation with other public organizations "to maintain public attention on the problem of political prisoners."

The statement was signed by investigative journalist Hafiz Babaly, economist Fazil Gasimov, trade union activist Afiyaddin Mammadov, former political emigrant Samir Ashurov, public activist Lachin Valiyev, and member of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, Mehman Aliyev, all serving sentences in Correctional Facility N2.

Six journalists, experts, and activists serving prison sentences in Baku Correctional Facility N2 announced the creation of the "Committee for the Protection of Political Prisoners" (CPPP).

According to the latest data from the Union "For the Freedom of Political Prisoners of Azerbaijan," as of October 7, 2025, the list of political prisoners included 392 people.