Interview with Akif Gurbanov

Akif Gurbanov

Journalist Ulviyya Ali (Guliyeva), who is jailed in connection with the Meydan TV case, interviewed Akif Gurbanov, the speaker of the III Republic Platform and a jailed figure in the Toplum TV case. Gurbanov is currently held in the Baku Pre-trial Detention Center. Published by AbzasMedia.

Ulviyya Ali: You have been in prison for 1 year and 9 months. Are you satisfied with the international support for political prisoners? What are the shortcomings?

Akif Gurbanov: We have been in prison for over 21 months. I am grateful to everyone active in domestic and international campaigns. However, there is a widespread belief that international support is insufficient. Western institutions often sacrifice human rights for various interests. When values clash with security, security usually prevails. But this shouldn't lead to pessimism. For better results:

Focus on the system and fundamental values, not just fragmented cases.

Better coordination among advocacy groups.

Transparency is vital; we expect open political support rather than just "quiet diplomacy."

Shifting public opinion away from government control.

Ulviyya Ali: The political prisoner problem persists for years. Which international mechanisms can help?

Akif Gurbanov: Formal mechanisms exist (UN, OSCE, Council of Europe), but the Azerbaijani government does not respect its own signature or ECHR rulings. For mechanisms to work, founding states must prioritize human rights as a "red line."

Ulviyya Ali: Sentences used to be 3-7 years; now they are 10-18 years. Is this to create fear or due to a lack of international pressure?

Akif Gurbanov: Authoritarian regimes rely on violence. As oil and gas revenues decline, the regime resorts to harsher punishments to maintain fear. However, fear does not create long-term stability. I am convinced we will build a democratic republic based on freedom.

Ulviyya Ali: How do you see the future of civil society?

Akif Gurbanov: Through the Institute for Democratic Initiatives (IDI), we helped train over 600 young people. Even if the regime restricts these initiatives, the democratic mindset cannot be erased. Every wave brings a new generation.