Detention of Human Rights Defender Rufat Safarov Extended Amid Family Travel Ban

IHR
2 days ago
4 min read

Lead:

On May 31, 2025, the Binagadi District Court once again extended the pretrial detention of prominent human rights defender Rufat Safarov. At the same time, his family has been grappling with travel restrictions imposed by the same authorities, fueling concerns over both his legal treatment and his family’s right to seek medical care abroad.

Background

Rufat Safarov, a former investigator at the Zardab District Prosecutor’s Office, has been at the center of a high-profile legal case since his arrest on December 3, 2024. Safarov became well known in 2015 when he resigned from his position as a prosecutor’s investigator, issuing a public statement accusing the Azerbaijani government of widespread human rights violations and systemic lawlessness. Shortly afterward, he was arrested on bribery charges, which he denied. In September 2016, the Lankaran Heavy Crimes Court sentenced him to nine years in prison; he was released early under a presidential pardon in March 2019. After his release, Safarov founded the legal advocacy group Defence Line, dedicating himself to defending victims of human rights abuses.

Upon his arrest in December 2024, he was charged under three articles of the Criminal Code:

Article 221.1 (hooliganism),
Article 178.3.2 (fraud causing significant damage), and
Article 127.2.3 (intentional infliction of less serious bodily harm).

Investigators allege that Safarov took 60,000 manats from a man named Natig Imamguliyev in exchange for a land sale in Novkhani, then assaulted him during a dispute on December 3, 2014. Safarov insists these charges are fabricated, claiming that—as he was returning home around 5:00 p.m. on that day—someone attacked him in his garage and that police immediately intervened, handcuffing him on the spot. He also maintains he had never seen Imamguliyev before the incident.

Recent Developments

1. Multiple Extensions of Detention

March 18, 2025: The Binagadi District Court first set Safarov’s detention to last until May 3, 2025.
April 29, 2025: The court extended his detention by one month to June 3, 2025.
May 31, 2025: The court further extended his pretrial detention until June 23, 2025, citing that the investigation “has not yet been completed.” According to his lawyer, Aqil Layij, “Despite the defense’s objections, the judge found the extension necessary to allow the investigative authorities more time to conclude their work.”

2. Family Travel Ban and Medical Urgency

Concurrently, Safarov’s mother, Tahira Tahirqizi, has faced a travel ban imposed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. She was preparing to accompany her husband, Eldar Safarov, who suffers from advanced Parkinson’s disease, for a scheduled medical examination in Istanbul. On January 4, 2025, Tahirqizi learned she was barred from leaving Azerbaijan, despite her husband’s rapidly deteriorating health. She told local media, “We were supposed to travel on January 7, but we were prevented. I hope those responsible for my son’s detention will show humanity and allow my husband to receive treatment in Turkey.”

January 6, 2025: Tahirqizi was summoned to the Baku City Police Department to testify as a witness in her son’s criminal case. She refused, asserting her son is being “falsely accused.” She also asked the investigator why she was banned from leaving the country but “received no answer.”
January 7, 2025: Tahirqizi departed for Turkey with her husband after reportedly having her travel ban lifted. Family sources confirmed that both are now in Istanbul for Eldar’s medical care.

Safarov himself, from his detention facility, addressed the Ministry of Internal Affairs: “Why are you not allowing my mother to travel overseas with my father? What are you trying to achieve?” This public appeal underscores the intersection between his legal ordeal and his family’s struggle to care for an ailing patriarch.

Quotes & Reactions

“The extension of Rufat Safarov’s detention is a blatant attempt to prolong his pretrial punishment,”— Aqil Layij, Safarov’s lawyer, on May 31, 2025.

“I asked the investigator why they prevented me from leaving the country, but I got no answer. My son has been framed,”— Tahira Tahirqizi, Safarov’s mother, on January 6, 2025.

“Despite my father’s critical condition, we were blocked from traveling for his medical check-up in Turkey. Only after public pressure was my mother’s travel ban lifted,”— Family statement, January 2025.

International human rights groups have condemned Safarov’s continued detention. On December 10, 2024—International Human Rights Day—then U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken named Safarov “Human Rights Defender of the Year,” noting that “Safarov cannot accept this award in person because he is imprisoned for his work defending fundamental freedoms.”

Analysis

The repeated extensions of Safarov’s detention point to a broader pattern of legal pressure against civil society activists. By keeping prominent defenders behind bars under the guise of an ongoing investigation, authorities effectively stifle dissent and discourage others from speaking out. Safarov’s case is emblematic of the struggle between an assertive human rights community and a state apparatus keen on controlling narratives related to judicial independence and rule of law.

Moreover, the travel ban on Safarov’s mother raises questions about the use of auxiliary restrictions—targeting family members—to increase pressure on detained activists. As Tahirqizi’s husband faces a life-threatening illness, the ban appears disproportionate and punitive. Human rights observers argue that such measures violate both domestic statutes on judicial fairness and international norms regarding family rights.

What Happens Next?

Investigation Timeline: The investigative authorities have until June 23, 2025, to conclude their inquiries or file formal charges in court. If no charges are filed, Safarov must be released.
Appeal Options: Safarov’s defense team can appeal the extended detention to the Supreme Court if warranted.
Family’s Medical Care: With Tahirqizi and Eldar now in Turkey, the family can at least secure urgent medical attention. However, any future travel for them may remain uncertain if the authorities decide to reimpose restrictions.

Safarov’s supporters have scheduled a press conference in Baku on June 5 to demand his immediate release and call for transparent judicial proceedings. Meanwhile, international watchdogs are monitoring developments, warning that further delays risk turning a legitimate criminal investigation—if it exists—into a de facto tool of political repression.

ConclusionThe case of Rufat Safarov highlights ongoing concerns about the rule of law in Azerbaijan. As his detention stretches into a seventh month, questions remain about the veracity of the charges against him and the fairness of his legal process. Equally troubling is the collateral impact on his family, notably his mother’s struggle to secure vital medical care for her husband. Observers will watch closely to see whether Azerbaijani authorities respect both Safarov’s rights as an accused and his family’s right to healthcare abroad.