Prosecutor Seeks 16-Year Prison Sentence for Azerbaijani Peace Activist Bahruz Samadov on Treason Charges

Bahruz Samadov

Baku, Azerbaijan – A state prosecutor has requested a 16-year prison sentence for Bahruz Samadov, a young researcher, political scientist, and peace activist, who stands accused of treason. The request was made during a court hearing on June 20, 2025, at the Baku Court of Grave Crimes.

Samadov, a doctoral student at Charles University in the Czech Republic, was arrested by employees of Azerbaijan's State Security Service on August 21, 2024. He was subsequently charged under Article 274 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to treason, and faces allegations of spying for Armenian special services and transmitting information to individuals of Armenian nationality.

During the latest court session on June 20, the state prosecutor asserted that the charges of treason against Samadov had been proven in court. Prior to the prosecutor's statement, Samadov's defense lawyer objected to the conclusion of the judicial investigation and filed several motions, all of which were denied.

The next hearing in the case is set for June 23, which is anticipated to be Samadov's final court appearance, where he is expected to deliver his final statement.

Throughout the proceedings, Bahruz Samadov has vehemently denied all charges, pleading not guilty and labeling the treason accusations as "fabricated." In his testimony on April 21, when the judicial investigation began, he argued that it was "absurd" to accuse him of transmitting state secrets, particularly since he had not resided in Azerbaijan for six years prior to his arrest and had no access to any confidential information.

"I hadn't lived in the country for six years. I haven't worked in any state body. I've had no access to any confidential documents," Samadov stated in court. "How can I transmit a state secret I don't possess?"

Samadov is known for his anti-war writings and critical views on the Azerbaijani government, published in various outlets across the South Caucasus and Europe. He maintains that he is a pacifist and against war, suggesting that he is being punished with false charges to silence him due to his calls for peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The court process has included witness testimonies, which took place on May 16. The final decision in this high-profile case remains to be seen, with significant implications for press freedom and civil society in Azerbaijan.