All Articles

Imprisoned journalist Sevinj Vagifqizi defines real courage as the inner will to resist illegal power. Learn about the resilience of journalists who speak truth to power despite extreme risks. Read her powerful perspective.

After the suicide of DSX soldier Huseyn Huseynov, his commander, Captain Mahmud Safaraliyev, accused of repeated abuse and threats, was controversially released by the Jalilabad Military Court. The Military Prosecutor's Office is appealing the decision. Read about the case and military accountability.

Teen driver Beylar Bayramli receives 7.5 years for the fatal Imishli crash that killed three schoolgirls. The trial exposed a major speed controversy: police claimed 60-70 km/h, but expert reports confirmed the DYP car was traveling at 159 km/h. Learn about the verdict and the resulting protests over traffic safety in Azerbaijan.

Political detainee Ruslan Izzetli (Toplum TV case) reports critical medical neglect in Baku SIZO No. 1. Suffering from severe gallstone disease requiring urgent attention, he has been denied an ultrasound for a month. Izzetli criticizes the Ministry of Justice medical service as "unfit," jeopardizing thousands of prisoners' health.

PFPA leader Ali Karimli detained in Azerbaijan. The party calls the move politically motivated and demands immediate release, urging international action on human rights compliance.

HRW urges Azerbaijan to end the escalating repression against critics at home and abroad. Exiled journalists and activists face politically motivated charges like "calls for mass disorder." HRW calls for all political charges to be dropped immediately to protect freedom of expression.

Pop singer Avraam Russo wins 600,000 rubles ($7,500) from a Moscow court for his 2004 kidnapping, a civil compensation for emotional distress after the criminal case expired. Learn about this unusual ruling and related ECHR judgments against Russia concerning missing Chechen individuals.

Abkhazia's President Badra Gunba rejected Russia's extradition request for three opposition members accused of armed robbery, insisting they be tried under Abkhazian law. This refusal is a critical defense of national sovereignty, highlighting tensions over perceived Russian political interference in local affairs before elections.

Baku site manager faces criminal negligence charges after 28-year-old Jumshud Jumshudlu died, falling into a sewer channel following a ground collapse. The Baku Water and Sewerage Department employee, Azer Jumshudov, denies the accusation. Trial resumes Dec 9th.

Discover how Europe's gas cut-off (2028) makes Azerbaijan a key energy partner and fuels BP’s $2.9B Shah Deniz expansion. Analyze the geopolitical risks.

Azerbaijan escalates transnational repression against 24 exiled critics, including journalists and activists, using Interpol and politically motivated charges (terrorism, fraud). HRW condemns the use of in absentia arrests to silence independent voices abroad and harass families at home. Host countries urged to protect targets.

Political prisoners in Azerbaijan report increased pressure, limited communication, and blocked calls after the new SMMK committee formed. Activists claim their charges are fake and politically motivated retribution for civic and labor rights work. Read the full report on the escalating situation.

Turkish journalist Fatih Altaylı was sentenced to 4 years, 2 months for 'threatening the President' over historical comments. His ongoing detention (158 days) and the controversial verdict are criticized as an attack on press freedom and public speech. Explore the implications of this ruling for dissent in Turkey.

Kanal-13 head, Aziz Orujov, was released on November 27 after serving two years in detention on charges that rights advocates deem political. His release is a critical moment for press freedom in Azerbaijan, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by independent media figures.

Georgian opposition leader Nika Melia was sentenced to 18 months for contempt of court after splashing a judge. This new sentence adds to his prior convictions, fueling concerns over judicial independence and political pressure in Georgia.

Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan announced a referendum on a new constitution will happen after the 2026 elections. The reform aims to restore internal legitimacy, ensure stability, and is linked to foreign policy decisions like the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration. The opposition warns voters to reject the move.

Azerbaijani national Orkhan Asadov was sentenced to 6.5 years in Cyprus for gun possession. Initial terrorism charges, which Israeli officials linked to Iran and anti-Israeli plots, were dropped by prosecutors. Asadov's lawyer confirmed the case had no connection to terrorism.

Read about the controversial arrests in Baku following a march displaying USSR flags. Authorities cite public order disturbance, but legal experts debate the constitutionality of the charges, arguing Soviet symbols are not banned. Explore the conflict between free assembly and political sensitivity in Azerbaijan.

Imprisoned Azerbaijani labor activist Aykhan Israfilov (İşçi Masası) is on a dangerous hunger strike to protest illegal closed-regime conditions and the withholding of personal items. Framed for his political views after supporting couriers, his family fears for the disabled activist's life. ECHR already ruled his rights were violated.

Activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev has started a hunger strike after being placed in solitary confinement (karser) at Prison Facility No. 6. His brother raises grave health concerns. Hajiyev is serving a 10-year sentence and claims his 2022 arrest was politically motivated due to criticizing the Interior Minister.