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Political Prisoners
Name | Gender | Articles | Prison | Judge | Councel | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Abbas Bagirov | Male | Article 221.2.1 (Hooliganism, i.e., intentional actions that grossly violate public order, express clear disrespect for society, accompanied by the use of violence against individuals or the threat of violence, as well as the destruction or damage of another's property, committed by a group of individuals) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | a resident of Imishli. | |||
Abbas Mammadbagir oglu Huseynov | Male | Under 15 articles of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic, including Articles 28 (Preparation for a Crime), 214.2.1 (Terrorism Committed by a Group of Persons by Prior Conspiracy, an Organized Group, or a Criminal Association), 214.2.3 (Terrorism Committed with the Use of Firearms and Objects Used as Weapons), 220.2 (Calls for Active Disobedience to the Lawful Demands of Authorities and for Mass Riots, as well as Calls for Violence against Citizens), 228.4 (Illegal Acquisition, Sale, or Carrying of Gas Weapons or Bladed Weapons), and 315.2 (Resisting an Official Performing His Official Duties, Using Violence Dangerous to the Life or Health of the Official) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic.
On May 19, 2016, the investigation brought new serious charges under Articles 29 (Attempted crime), 120.2.1 (Intentional murder committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy, an organized group or a criminal community), 120.2.3 (Intentional murder of the victim or his relatives in connection with the performance of official duties by this person or the fulfillment of public duty), 120.2.4 (Intentional murder committed with particular cruelty), 120.2.7 (Intentional murder of two or more persons) and 120.2.12 (Intentional murder based on interethnic, religious or racial hatred) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic. | Colony No. 11 in the Binagadi District of Baku | Alovsat Abbasov | member of the Muslim Unity Movement | |
Afiaddin Mammadov | Male | Article 126.2.4 (intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm - committed with the intent of hooliganism) and 221.3 (hooliganism - use of a weapon or an object as a weapon) | Convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison | Chairman of the Confederation of Trade Unions "Workers' Table" | ||
Afig Sabir oglu Gurbanov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, shipment, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
On March 17, 2023, Afig Gurbanov was sentenced to four months of pretrial detention during the preliminary investigation. His pretrial detention was subsequently extended several times. | Rasim Sadigov | a religious believer. | ||
Agaali Eldar oglu Yakhyaev | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic. | Pretrial Detention Center No. 1 in the village of Kurdakhani in the Sabunchu District of Baku | board member of the Muslim Unity Movement | ||
Agalar Mirzajan oglu Agayev | Male | Articles 167-3.1 (Production, storage, or distribution of religious extremist materials, i.e., materials calling for religious extremist activity or justifying such activity, or substantiating the need for such activity) and 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or storage for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic. | believer | |||
Agasaf Khurshidov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, shipment, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial Detention Center No. 3 in the village of Shuvalan in the Khazar District of Baku. | a believer. | ||
Agil Gumbatov | Male | Under Article 126.1 (Intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia | On November 15, 2021, he was sentenced by the Baku Court of Grave Crimes to 10 years in prison | Member of the PFPA | ||
Agil Rzayev | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial Detention Facility No. 1 in the village of Kurdakhani in the Sabunchu District of Baku. | a believer. | ||
Ahad Azer oglu Aliyev | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | a religious believer. | |||
Ahmad Mammadli | Male | He is charged under Articles 221.3 (hooliganism... using weapons or objects used as weapons...) and 126.2.4 (Intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm) of the Criminal Code. | A 4-month pre-trial detention measure was chosen for Ahmad Mammadli. | Social activist | ||
Ahsan Nuruzade | Male | Article 206 (Illegal use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, manufacture, acquisition, storage, transportation, or shipment not for sale in quantities necessary for personal consumption) of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | member of the Muslim Unity Movement | |||
Akif Gurbanov | Male | Conspiring to smuggle foreign currency; hiring workers without a labor contract; illegal entrepreneurship with significant income; large-scale money laundering by an organized group; tax evasion by an organized group | Detained in Pre-trial Detention Center N1 | The head of the Institute for Democratic Initiatives and the Third Republican Platform | ||
Akif Huseynli | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial Detention Center No. 1 in the village of Kurdakhani in the Sabunchu district of Baku. | a religious believer. | ||
Akif Ismail oglu Aliyev | Male | Articles 29.120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.10, 120.2.11, 214.2.6, 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 277, 278.2, 318.2, 320.1, and 320.2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan | ||||
Aladdin Ibishov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | theologian | |||
Alasgar Mammadli | Male | Smuggling, Art. 206 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan | Detained in Pre-trial Detention Center N1 | Founder of Toplum TV | ||
Ali Ali oglu Aliyev (Ali Bekhishti) | Male | Article 274 (High Treason) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Colony No. 7 in the village of Akhmadli in the Khatai District of Baku | Azer Taghiyev | theologian | |
Ali Zeynal | Male | Conspiring to smuggle foreign currency; hiring workers without a labor contract; illegal entrepreneurship with significant income; large-scale money laundering by an organized group; tax evasion by an organized group | Detained in Pre-trial Detention Center N1 | Member of Toplum TV, member of the Institute for Democratic Initiatives | ||
Aliakbar Israfil oglu Sadygov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, shipment, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Teyub Mukhtarov | member of the Muslim Unity Movement | ||
Aligiyam Alam oglu Alishanov | Male | Articles 167-3.1 (Production, storage, or distribution of religious extremist materials, i.e., materials calling for religious extremist activity or justifying such activity, or substantiating the need for such activity) and 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or storage for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
On February 2, 2023, Aligiyam Alishanov was sentenced to four months of imprisonment in a pretrial detention facility during the preliminary investigation. His pretrial detention during the investigation was subsequently extended several times. | Pretrial Detention Center No. 3 in the village of Shuvalan in the Khazar District of Baku. | believer | ||
Alim Yusifov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, shipment, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | a religious believer. | |||
Aliyusif Damat oglu Takhirov | Male | Gobustan closed prison. | ||||
Amal Alamdar oglu Akhmedov | Male | Article 234.1-1 (Illegal acquisition or possession of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in quantities exceeding those necessary for personal use, committed on a large scale, without intent to sell) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
On March 9, 2023, Amal Akhmedov was sentenced to four months of pretrial detention during the preliminary investigation. His pretrial detention was subsequently extended several times. | Sabina Mammadzade | a religious believer. | ||
Amil Alik oglu Bilalov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial detention center in the village of Umbaki in the Garadagh district of Baku | Fahmin Humbatov | member of the Muslim Unity Movement | |
Amil Damirov | Male | Article 234.1-1 (Illegal acquisition or possession without intent to sell of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in quantities exceeding those necessary for personal use, committed on a large scale) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial Detention Facility No. 1 in the village of Kurdakhani in the Sabunchu District of Baku. | a religious believer. | ||
Anar Abdulla | Male | 192 – Illegal entrepreneurship
193-1 – False entrepreneurship (i.e., establishing an enterprise or other legal entity without the intention of conducting business activity, for the purpose of obtaining credit, exemption from fees, or other property benefits, or to conceal prohibited activity, when this causes significant damage or is committed for substantial profit)
206 – Smuggling
213 – Evasion of payment of taxes, unemployment insurance, mandatory health insurance, or compulsory state social insurance contributions
206.3.2 – Smuggling committed by a group of persons acting in collusion
320 – Forging, illegally producing, selling official documents, state awards, seals, stamps, or forms, or using forged documents | Was placed under police surveillance | Journalist | ||
Anar Dilyan oglu Akbarov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic. | Zabil Gasimov | member of the Muslim Unity Movement | ||
Anar Jabbarli | Male | Article 221.2.1 (Hooliganism, i.e., intentional actions that grossly violate public order, express clear disrespect for society, accompanied by the use of violence against individuals or the threat of violence, as well as the destruction or damage of another's property, committed by a group of individuals) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | a resident of Imishli. | |||
Anar Mahir oglu Mammadov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, shipment, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | a religious believer. | |||
Anar Mammadli | Male | Smuggling, Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan | Detained in Pre-trial Detention Center N1 | Human rights defender, head of the Election Monitoring and Democracy Studies Centre | ||
Anar Oruj oglu Khalilov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial detention center | a religious believer. | ||
Anar Sholaliyev | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial Detention Center No. 1 in the village of Kurdakhani in the Sabunchu district of Baku. | a believer | ||
Araz Fizuli oglu Hasanov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial Detention Center No. 2, Ganja | a religious believer. | ||
Arif Fataliev | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, shipment, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | a religious believer. | |||
Arif Nazir oglu Kazimov | Male | Gobustan closed prison. | ||||
Arshad Ibrahimov | Male | Article282.2.2 (request by threat, committed repeatedly) | Detained in Pre-trial Detention Center N1 | Head of the website dunyaninsesi.az | ||
Arzu Sayadoglu | Male | Article 206.3.2 of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, which pertains to smuggling committed by a group of persons in collusion | Blogger | |||
Asaf Akhmedov | Male | under Articles 193-1.3.2 (Legalization of property, committed on a large scale), 308.2 (Abuse of office, resulting in grave consequences) and 313 (Official forgery) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
On April 9, 2025, the Binagadi District Court of Baku issued a ruling: to satisfy the investigator's petition to select a preventive measure in the form of arrest and to apply a preventive measure in the form of arrest to Asaf Akhmedov for a period of 3 months and 4 days. | Pre-trial detention center #1 in the Kurdakhani settlement in the Sabunchu district of Baku | Head of the Ganja Regional Public Center | ||
Asaf Sahib oglu Aliyev | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | a religious believer | |||
Asif Huseynov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial Detention Center No. 1 in the village of Kurdakhani in the Sabunchu district of Baku. | a religious believer. | ||
Aslan Gurbanov | Male | Public calls against the state (Art.
281.2) & Insult ( Art. 283.1 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan) | Blogger | |||
Aslan Maharram oglu Gasimov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, shipment, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | a religious believer. | |||
Avaz Zeynalli | Male | taking a bribe (Art.311), Illegal influence on the decision of an official (Art.
312-1.1 of the Criminal Court) | Was released early from prison | Founder, editor-in-chief of Xural TV | ||
Aydin Akif oglu Huseynzade | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | a religious believer. | |||
Aydin Janbakhysh oglu Mammadov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial Detention Center No. 1 in the village of Kurdakhani in the Sabunchu District of Baku. | a religious believer. | ||
Aydin Vagif oglu Aliyev | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Shalala Hasanova | a religious believer. | ||
Aykhan Israfilov | Male | Large-scale drug trafficking. | Convicted and sentenced to three years in prison | Labor rights activist | ||
Aynur Ganbarova (Elgunesh) | Female | Smuggling, Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan | Detained in Pre-Trial Detention Center N1 | Journalist at Meydan TV | ||
Aysel Umudova | Female | Smuggling, Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan | Detained in Pre-Trial Detention Center N1 | Journalist at Meydan TV | ||
Aytaj Ahmadova (Tapdig) | Female | Smuggling, Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan | Detained in Pre-Trial Detention Center N1 | Journalist at Meydan TV | ||
Azad Karimov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
On January 30, 2023, the Nasimi District Court of Baku sentenced Azad Karimov to four months' imprisonment in a pretrial detention facility during the preliminary investigation. His pretrial detention during the investigation was subsequently extended several times. | a member of the Muslim Unity Movement. | |||
Azer Gasimli | Male | 182.2.3 (committed by threat or use of force) | Detained in Pre-Trial Detention Center N1 | Director of the Institute of Political Management, political scientist | ||
Baba Shukurov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial Detention Facility No. 1 in the village of Kurdakhani in the Sabunchu District of Baku. | a religious believer. | ||
Bahram Khagani oglu Aliyev | Male | Articles 29.120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.7, 120.2.10, 220.1, 228.4, and 315.2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan | Emin Rustamov | |||
Bahruz Adil oglu Karimov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
On March 9, 2023, the Nasimi District Court of Baku sentenced Bahruz Karimov
to four months' imprisonment in a pretrial detention facility during the preliminary investigation. His pretrial detention during the investigation was subsequently extended several times. | Samir Aliyev | member of the Muslim Unity Movement | ||
Bahruz Guliyev | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial Detention Center No. 1 in the village of Kurdakhani in the Sabunchu District of Baku | member of the Muslim Unity Movement | ||
Bahruz Jafarov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial Detention Facility No. 1 in the village of Kurdakhani in the Sabunchu District of Baku. | a religious believer. | ||
Bahruz Samadov | Male | Treason (Article 274 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan) | Detained in the State Security Service Pre-Trial Detention Center | Political analyst, activist | ||
Bakhtiyar Bagirov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial Detention Facility No. 2, Ganja | a religious believer. | ||
Bakhtiyar Bakhysh oglu Babashov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
On March 9, 2023, Bakhtiyar Babashov was seized on the street by unknown persons and taken to an unknown location. On March 11, 2023, he was brought to the Narimanov District Court, where he was sentenced to four months in pretrial detention during the preliminary investigation. His pretrial detention was subsequently extended several times. | Faig Ganiev | Bakhtiyar Bakhysh oglu Babashov is | ||
Bakhtiyar Hajiyev | Male | Article 221.2.2 (hooliganism by resisting a person performing a duty to protect public order) and 289.1 (contempt of court) | Convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison. | Pro-democracy activist and blogger | ||
Bakhtiyar Mukhtar oglu Mammadov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | a religious believer. | |||
Bakhtiyar Nizami oglu Isazade | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Colony No. 17 in the Bina settlement of the Azizbekov District of Baku. | a religious believer. | ||
Bakhtiyar Novruzov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Vugar Guliyev | a religious believer. | ||
Bashir Suleymanli | Male | Under Articles 193-1.3.2 (Legalization of property, committed on a large scale), 308.2 (Abuse of official powers, resulting in grave consequences) and 313 (Official forgery) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
On March 14, 2025, the Binagadi District Court of Baku issued a ruling:
to grant the investigator's petition to select a preventive measure in the form of arrest and
to apply a preventive measure in the form of arrest to Bashir Suleymanli for a period of 3 months and
28 days. | СИЗО № 1 в поселке Кюрдаханы в Сабунчинском районе города
Баку | Head of the Institute of Human Rights | ||
Dashgin Musa oglu Heydarov | Male | 26 articles, including Article 274 (High Treason, i.e., an act intentionally committed by a citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the detriment of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, state security, or defense capability of the Republic of Azerbaijan; defection to the enemy; espionage; disclosure of state secrets to a foreign state; assistance to a foreign state, foreign organization, or their representatives in conducting hostile activities against the Republic of Azerbaijan) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Sheki District Penitentiary Service | Ali Suleymanov | ||
Dayanat Karim oglu Karimov | Male | Gobustan closed prison. | ||||
Edgar Mahir oglu Osmanov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial Detention Center No. 2, Ganja | Elmin Rustamov | believer | |
Ehtiram Sadi oglu Taghiyev | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial Detention Facility No. 1 in the village of Kurdakhani in the Sabunchu District of Baku. | a religious believer. | ||
Elbai Karimli | Male | On August 28, 2023, Elbai Karimli was arrested for 4 months pending investigation. The term of detention pending investigation was subsequently extended several times. | Elbai Karimli died on December 12, 2025, while in state custody at Penitentiary Institution No. 2 in Azerbaijan, where he was serving a sentence in the medical unit. The official report claims he committed suicide by hanging, a conclusion still being investigated by the Khazar District Prosecutor's Office. However, human rights groups and political opponents challenge this account. They highlight the suspicious timing—his death fell on the anniversary of former President Heydar Aliyev’s passing, whose monument Karimli had defaced—and note his prolonged hunger strike since May 2025 as indications of possible state involvement. By March 2026, no public findings from the investigation have emerged, and Karimli’s case remains central to ongoing demands for judicial transparency and the safeguarding of political prisoners in Azerbaijan. | PFPA activist | ||
Elchin Arif oglu Zeynalov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
On March 16, 2023, Sumgayit resident Elchin Zeynalov was sentenced to four months of pretrial detention during the preliminary investigation. His pretrial detention was subsequently extended several times. | Ilkin Rajabov | member of the Muslim Unity Movement | ||
Elchin Samad oglu Amiraslanov | Male | Gobustan Closed Prison | former head of the Gazakh District OMON (Special Purpose Police Unit) | |||
Eldaniz Fatulla oglu Agayev | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, shipment, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
On March 10, 2023, Eldaniz Agayev was sentenced to four months of pretrial detention during the preliminary investigation. His pretrial detention was subsequently extended several times. | Colony No. 17 in the village of Bina in the Azizbekov district of Baku | a religious believer. | ||
Eldar Alakbar oglu Jafarzade | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
On December 2, 2022, Eldar Jafarzade, a resident of Khirdalan, was sentenced to 4 months of pretrial detention during the preliminary investigation. His pretrial detention was subsequently extended several times. | Lankaran Penitentiary Complex | Samir Aliyev | a religious believer. | |
Elkhan Aliyev | Male | Arrested under Articles 178.3.2 (Fraud, i.e. taking possession of someone else's property or acquiring the right to someone else's property by deception or abuse of trust, committed with causing major damage), 320.1 (Forgery or illegal production of a certificate or other official document granting rights or exempting from obligations, for the purpose of using it or selling such a document) and 320.2 (Use of knowingly forged documents) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
On July 27, 2023, the Sabunchu District Court of Baku chose a preventive measure in the form of detention for a period of 3 months for Elkhan Aliyev. The term of detention under arrest during the investigation was subsequently extended. | Pre-trial detention center in Umbaki settlement in Garadagh district of Baku | Member of the PFPA | ||
Elkhan Azimov | Male | Article 221.2.1 (Hooliganism, i.e., intentional actions that grossly violate public order, express clear disrespect for society, accompanied by the use of violence against individuals or the threat of violence, as well as the destruction or damage of another's property, committed by a group of individuals) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | a resident of Imishli. | |||
Elkhan Ismayilov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial Detention Center No. 1 in the village of Kurdakhani in the Sabunchu District of Baku | member of the Muslim Unity Movement | ||
Elkhan Matlab oglu Zamanov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | believer | |||
Elman Ibrahimov | Male | Article 221.2.1 (Hooliganism, i.e., intentional actions that grossly violate public order, express clear disrespect for society, accompanied by the use of violence against individuals or the threat of violence, as well as the destruction or damage of another's property, committed by a group of individuals) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | a resident of Imishli. | |||
Elman Suleyman oglu Sheydayev | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
On February 18, 2022, the Narimanov District Court of Baku sentenced Elman Sheydayev to four months' imprisonment in a pretrial detention facility pending preliminary investigation. The pretrial detention period was subsequently extended several times. | Colony No. 6 in the village of Boyuk Shor in the Nizami District of Baku | Rakhib Salmanov | a religious believer. | |
Elnara Gasimova | Female | Smuggling, Art. 206.3.2. of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan | Detained in Pre-trial Detention Center N1 | Journalist of the "Abzas Media" | ||
Elnur Guliyev | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or storage for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial Detention Center No. 1 in the village of Kurdakhani in the Sabunchu District of Baku. | believer. | ||
Elnur Jafarov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, shipment, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic.
On January 25, 2023, Elnur Jafarov was sentenced to four months of pretrial detention during the preliminary investigation. His pretrial detention was subsequently extended several times. | Dadash Imanov | a member of the Muslim Unity Movement. | ||
Elnur Khasanov | Male | Under Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or storage for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
On November 30, 2023, the Khatai District Court of Baku chose a preventive measure in the form of detention for a period of 3 months for Elnur Khasanov. The term of detention during the investigation was subsequently extended several times. | Pretrial detention center No. 1 in the village of Kurdakhani in the Sabunchu district of Baku | Member of the PFPA | ||
Elnur Maharramali oglu Babayev | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | a religious believer. | |||
Elnur Meybullayev | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial Detention Center No. 1 in the village of Kurdakhani in the Sabunchu District of Baku. | believer | ||
Elnur Shukurov | Male | Illegal influence on the decision of an official (Art. 312-1.1 of the Criminal Court) | The head of the "Sada TV" YouTube channel | |||
Elsevar Eldar oglu Isayev | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, shipment, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | a believer. | |||
Elsevar Rakhmat oglu Gadzhiev | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, shipment, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Vugar Hajiyev | a religious believer. | ||
Elshad Sultanov | Male | Article 234.1-1 (Illegal acquisition, storage, manufacture, processing, or transportation of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities without intent to sell) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | a religious believer. | |||
Elshad Vagif oglu Mammadov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Novruz Karimov | a religious believer. | ||
Elshan Akif oglu Rakhimov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
On January 30, 2023, Elshan Rakhimov was sentenced to four months of pretrial detention during the preliminary investigation. His pretrial detention was subsequently extended several times. | Pretrial Detention Facility No. 3 in the village of Shuvalan in the Khazar District of Baku. | Elnur Valiyev | member of the Muslim Unity Movement | |
Elshan Gasim oglu Gasimov | Male | 28 articles, including Article 274 (High Treason, i.e., an act intentionally committed by a citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the detriment of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, state security, or defense capability of the Republic of Azerbaijan; defection to the enemy; espionage; disclosure of state secrets to a foreign state; assistance to a foreign state, foreign organization, or their representatives in conducting hostile activities against the Republic of Azerbaijan) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Gobustan Closed Prison | Ali Suleymanov | ||
Elshan Karimov | Male | Under Article 281.1 (Public calls for the violent seizure of power, the violent retention of power or the violent change of the constitutional order or the violation of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as the dissemination of materials of such content) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
On April 19, 2024, the Binagadi District Court of Baku chose a preventive measure in the form of detention for a period of 3 months for Elshan Karimov. The term of detention during the investigation was subsequently extended. | Pretrial detention center No. 1 in the village of Kurdakhani in the Sabunchu district of Baku | Public activist and social media user | ||
Elshan Khashimov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial Detention Center No. 1 in the village of Kurdakhani in the Sabunchu District of Baku. | a religious believer. | ||
Elshan Muhammad oglu Alakbarov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial Detention Center No. 2, Ganja | Natig Aliyev | a believer | |
Elvin Akhliman oglu Guliyev | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic.
On March 10, 2023, Elvin Guliyev was sentenced to four months of pretrial detention during the preliminary investigation. His pretrial detention was subsequently extended several times. | Mushfig Mammadov | member of the Muslim Unity Movement | ||
Elvin Isayev | Male | Organization of riots (Art. 220.1), public appeals directed against the state Art. 281.2 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan | Blogger | |||
Elvin Mubariz oglu Zeynalov | Male | Article 234.4.3 (Illegal acquisition or possession for the purpose of sale, manufacture, production, processing, transportation, transfer, or sale of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in large quantities) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | Pretrial Detention Center No. 1 in the village of Kurdakhani in the Sabunchu District of Baku | a religious believer. |
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