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Why don’t Azerbaijanis protest? An in-depth analysis of Azerbaijan’s political quiet — exploring history, public psychology, and post-war nationalism. Learn how lost trust, weak opposition, and managed victory narratives shape today’s calm and the hidden potential for future mobilization.

Trial date set for NGO leader Hafiz Hasanov in the “NGO case.” The head of “Law and Development” faces charges of money laundering, abuse of power, and forgery. The preparatory hearing will be held on October 22, 2025, at the Baku Court of Grave Crimes.

Azerbaijan Popular Front Party Chairman Ali Karimli was denied a passport by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Authorities gave no explanation for the refusal. Karimli says the travel ban, in place for nearly 20 years, is politically motivated and ordered by President Ilham Aliyev.

NGO Head Bashir Suleymanlı's trial on money laundering charges begins in Baku. He denies guilt; all defence motions were rejected. Next hearing: Oct 23.

Putin admits Russian air defense likely damaged the AZAL plane (Dec 2024), promising compensation to Azerbaijan. Putin and Aliyev meet in Dushanbe to restore the alliance.

Galib Bayramov (Economic Research Center head) trial starts in Baku: money laundering & abuse of power charges in NGO case. Up to 12 yrs.

Emin Huseynov, a representative of the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS), delivered a speech to highlight the alarming situation concerning media freedom and freedom of expression in Azerbaijan, describing the environment for independent journalism as "never been more hostile."

EU Human Rights Rep Kajsa Ollongren expresses deep concern over severe media restrictions in Azerbaijan, citing false arrests of journalists. Need for a safer environment.

Azerbaijan's political prisoner count hits 392, an increase of 17 since June, according to the Union for the Freedom of Political Prisoners. The list includes journalists, bloggers, and activists.

The ECHR ruled that the disbarment of lawyer Yalchin Imanov was unlawful. The court found a violation of freedom of expression (Article 10) for disclosing his client's torture allegations, ordering Azerbaijan to pay compensation.

Aliyev's bold proposal for OTS military drills in Azerbaijan in 2026 highlights the organization's rise as a geopolitical force. Leaders at the Gabala Summit, including Erdoğan and Tokayev, discussed military, transport (Zangezur/Middle Corridor), and energy cooperation (Green Corridor). The push for an OTS+ format and Azerbaijan-Armenia peace were key takeaways.

Animal rights activist Elkhan Mirzoyev was arrested for two months in Azerbaijan on drug charges (Art. 206 of the Code of Administrative Offenses), an accusation he denies. He is the cousin of opposition blogger Tural Sadigli, who links the arrest to his criticism of the government. Mirzoyev's uncle was also jailed. Key events: Lerik Court, Oct 3.

Azerbaijan resumes CPT cooperation after a 1.5-year halt. The Sep 2025 mission monitored detention centers and hospitals, addressing concerns over torture and ill-treatment.

ECtHR closes case for 5 Azerbaijani activists (Guliyev, others). Azerbaijan admitted violations for 2023 administrative arrests and will pay €900 compensation each.

Trade union activist Ayhan Israfilov was denied early release (parole) by the Baku court despite serving two-thirds of his sentence. The denial was based on a disciplinary penalty. Colleagues state his 3-year sentence for drug charges is fabricated and retaliation for his union work. Human rights groups recognize him as a political prisoner. Read the details of the court's decision and his planned appeal.

Jailed Azerbaijani journalist Fərid İsmayılov faces death threats in custody. Urgent report details escalating prison incidents, official inaction, and CPJ's call for safety.

Discover the 5 critical, overlooked truths about the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis. Learn how current peace deals ignore the 150,000 displaced Armenians whose Right to Return is a legal mandate (ICJ 2023). Explore the overwhelming will to go home, the detailed roadmap for a safe return, and the powerful call for justice, not vengeance. A truly lasting peace requires hearing the victims.

The 3 shocking realities for jailed journalists in Azerbaijan: US Senate support, official labeling of dissent as a 'character flaw,' and overwhelming charge stacking in the Meydan TV case.

Uncover 3 shocking truths about Azerbaijan's economy: the 5% unemployment rate that masks 20% joblessness, the innovation gap, and its role as a backdoor for Russian oil to the EU.

Plus, an investigation into a fake medals scandal in Azerbaijan involving NGO leaders and 1,500 counterfeit honors. We also cover the baffling claim by President Aliyev that climate change isn't shrinking the Caspian Sea, contradicting scientific consensus, and an Azerbaijani Ombudsman's rare public challenge to "artificially inflated" airport taxi prices. Stay informed on global politics, local controversies, and environmental debates beyond the headlines.