Azerbaijan's Crackdown on Civil Liberties

Azerbaijan is intensifying its repression of civil liberties by targeting independent journalists, human rights advocates, and political rivals. As of October 9, 2025, 392 political prisoners are in the country, including at up to 40 journalists and bloggers. This report examines Azerbaijan's strategy to silence independent media and civil society.

Silencing Free Expression: Targeting Independent Media

The Azerbaijani government controls the media to shape public opinion and eliminate dissent. Akif Gurbanov, a jailed civil society leader, noted that all national TV channels broadcast government propaganda, making it hard for citizens to access alternative information. The government uses international forums to promote state censorship as a tool against fake news.

Cases:

• Abzas Media: The director, editor, and journalists from this anti-corruption outlet were jailed for alleged currency smuggling.

• Meydan TV: Journalists were arrested on charges of smuggling.

• Toplum TV: Individuals linked to this media group face criminal charges.

The state's actions take a physical and psychological toll on its victims. Aysel Umudova recalled being seized by officers who confiscated her phone. Ulviyya Ali stated that she and her cellmates are victims of President Ilham Aliyev. Despite promises, past crimes against journalists remain unsolved.

Eliminating Opposition: Targeting Activists and Critics

The government suppresses civil society by dismantling political parties, intimidating activists, and crushing labor movements.

• Political Opposition: Leaders of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP) were detained for attempting a violent seizure of power.

• Human Rights Defenders: Rufat Safarov, head of the legal aid group Defense Line, was arrested on fraud charges.

• Labor Activists: Afiaddin Mammadov, chairman of the independent labor union 'Workers' Table,' was jailed for organizing workers' rights protests.

• Religious Activists: Elman Sheydayev protested the arrest of six religious women by sewing his mouth shut.

Weaponizing the Justice System: Abuse in Prisons

Azerbaijan's prisons are used to punish and intimidate political prisoners. Abuse and denial of medical care are common.

Examples:

• Nurlan Gahramanli: Tortured in solitary confinement.

• Ulviyya Ali: Threatened with sexual assault.

• Ruslan Izzetli, Hafiz Babalı, and Afiaddin Mammadov: Denied proper medical care.

• Ulviyya Ali and Hafiz Babalı: Denied legal rights and isolated.

• Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, Aykhan Israfilov, and Nigar Baghirova: Staged hunger strikes to protest their conditions.

Global Reach of Repression: Targeting Critics Abroad

The Azerbaijani government monitors and silences critics abroad, actions considered transnational repression. Human Rights Watch and the U.S. State Department have noted violence or threats against critics in other countries.

Violence and Intimidation:

• Vidadi Iskandarli: Murdered in France.

• Mahammed Mirzali: Survived a knife attack in France.

• Bayram Mammadov and Huseyn Bakikhanov: Died under suspicious circumstances in Turkey and Georgia, respectively.

Legal Intimidation:

• The government issues absentee arrest warrants for exiled critics.

• The government disregards rulings by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

Conclusion: Silencing Voices

The shrinking civic space in Azerbaijan results from a state strategy to silence dissent by targeting journalists, activists, and political opponents. The government uses legal means domestically and repression abroad to control the political and informational landscape. Despite this, many continue to speak out.