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Azer Gasimli trial update: Accuser's mother admits she didn't witness threats, citing hearsay. Defense argues lack of direct evidence in the extortion case. Read the full report on the latest court session and key testimony details.

Pardoned former official Saleh Rustamov, a Russian citizen, was barred from leaving Azerbaijan after visiting for a funeral. Border services gave no reason. His lawyer challenges the travel ban, raising concerns about the freedom of movement for former political prisoners.

Sevinj Vagifgizi advocates for boundless journalism, stating that truth is universal and must not be sacrificed to state interests. She demands a world where no journalist faces threats, imprisonment, or death for revealing facts. Telling the truth must become a normal standard.

Discover how Azerbaijan's full membership in the Central Asian '6' bloc is reshaping Eurasia. Learn about the strategic shift, the impact on the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian Route), and the push for greater regional independence and geo-economic cohesion.

Baku Appeals Court affirmed the arrests of PFPA activists Farid Guliyev and Valishan Hasanov. The PFPA claims the arrests are political, tied to their support for Ali Karimli, and criticizes the court for refusing to review surveillance footage during the formal appeal process.

Investigative journalist Hafiz Babalı, sentenced to 9 years in the "Abzas Media case," defies his unjust imprisonment. Read his powerful public address from prison: "The stones you throw will return like a boomerang." A fierce fight for media freedom and justice.

Baku Court hears arguments for activists Anar Mammadli & Anar Abdulla, challenging charges as politically motivated. The defense cites the government's failure to annul an illegal ECtHR-ruled conviction and using the NGO's unregistered status against him. This raises Rule of Law concerns.

Former Azerbaijani political prisoner and Russian citizen, Saleh Rustamov, was unexpectedly barred from leaving Azerbaijan on Nov 18 at Baku Airport due to an unexplained travel ban. The incident raises questions about the rights of pardoned political figures and freedom of movement.

GRU agent Yaroslav Mikhailov, suspected of coordinating the 2024 cargo bomb attacks in Europe (DHL, DPD), is the subject of an intense extradition struggle in Azerbaijan. Russia's FSB, SVR, and GRU are pressuring Baku for his return, while Western allies seek his custody for terrorism charges.

Reports expose alleged rights violations and tightened security at Baku Pre-Trial Detention Center (BİT). Following contraband discovery, intense searches and structural changes are reportedly used to pressure political prisoners and infringe on their right to a lawyer.

Imprisoned religious activist Nigar Baghirova is on a hunger strike protesting her detention extension. She claims state weakness & demands "Acquittal or Martyrdom." Read her defiant interview: "Living with fear is scarier than prison."

Journalist Nurlan Libre, arrested in the "Meydan TV case," writes from prison: "I will continue writing." Read his powerful letter on detention, the struggle for a free press, and his unwavering commitment to conveying the truth, despite facing 8-12 years. He regrets nothing.

Azerbaijan's Supreme Court upheld the 10-year prison sentence for activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev on Nov 18. Hajiyev, a fierce government critic, was convicted on 8 charges, including illegal entrepreneurship and smuggling, which he rejects as politically motivated. The defense's anonymous evidence argument was dismissed.

Exiled Azerbaijani journalist Ganimat Zahid is summoned by the Prosecutor General's Office on charges of "Public calls against the state" (Art. 281.2). A four-month absentee arrest warrant has been issued, escalating concerns over press freedom and political pressure on critics.

Jailed academic Bahruz Samadov's complaint against his confinement in a punishment cell was dismissed by an Azerbaijani court on Nov 17. The peace activist, serving a 15-year sentence on state treason charges he denies, remains in isolation. His arrest is widely viewed as politically motivated.

Talysh activist and Russian citizen Kamal Isayev was detained in Turkey and moved to Azerbaijan by the DTX. Read the report on his disappearance, the citizenship dispute, and the crackdown on Talysh rights advocates.

Jailed Azerbaijani investigative journalist Sevinj Vagifgizi wins the prestigious Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Prize for Courage. The Editor-in-Chief of Abzas Media was honored for her resilience against injustice after receiving a 9-year sentence for anti-corruption reporting.

Azerbaijan's prosecution demands life sentences for former Nagorno-Karabakh leaders, including Arayik Harutyunyan, on charges of genocide, terrorism, and war crimes. The trial for 15 officials resumes November 27 in Baku.

Azerbaijan strongly protests Russia after an Iskander-type missile strike severely damaged its Embassy in Kyiv on Nov 14. Baku demanded a full investigation and explanation, highlighting that this is one of several repeated attacks against Azerbaijani diplomatic missions and SOCAR assets in Ukraine since 2022.

Azerbaijan issues absentee arrest warrants for US-based journalist Sevinj Osmanqizi and blogger Abid Gafarov, citing charges of inciting mass riots and anti-state calls. This escalates Baku's crackdown on diaspora critics.