Bahruz Samadov: Peace Activist Pleads for Freedom Amidst Peace Deal Speculation

Bahruz Samadov

Bahruz Samadov, a researcher and peace activist currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan, has issued a poignant plea for his release, questioning why he remains incarcerated while a peace agreement is reportedly being finalised. Samadov, a doctoral student at Charles University in Czechia, made these remarks to his grandmother, Zibeyda Osmanova, during an urgent meeting at Umbaki prison on 12 August 2025.

Samadov was arrested on 21 August 2024 by employees of the State Security Service. He faces charges of treason under Article 274 of the Criminal Code, with allegations of collaborating with Armenian special services. Despite the charges, Samadov maintains his innocence and denies the accusations, stating he has never claimed Nagorno-Karabakh to be Armenian territory and has consistently advocated for peace, opposing war and the resulting loss of life. On 23 June 2025, he was sentenced by the Baku Grave Crimes Court to 15 years of imprisonment.

During his recent conversation with his grandmother, Samadov expressed his frustration and distress. He told her he would not attend his upcoming court hearing, emphasizing his belief that there is no reason for his continued detention given the reported peace negotiations. "They cannot prove my guilt. Why should I attend a closed court?" Samadov questioned, expressing his deep concern over the closed nature of his judicial proceedings. He further stated that he would permanently refuse to attend court if the hearings continue to be closed. His grandmother noted that he had lost some weight and was not in good spirits.

Zibeyda Osmanova, Samadov's grandmother, voiced profound worry for her grandson's life. She revealed that Samadov had previously attempted suicide twice in protest of his arrest, and had declared he would make a third attempt if he is not freed. She passionately appealed for his reunion with her and for the state to grant him freedom.

The case of Bahruz Samadov highlights broader concerns within the Azerbaijani justice system, as evidenced by other ongoing cases involving activists and journalists. The "Abzas Media" case, also discussed on 12 August 2025 at the Baku Court of Appeal, involves individuals like Ulvi Hasanli, Mahammad Kekalov, Hafiz Babali, and Farid Mehralizada, some of whom are held at Umbaki prison alongside Samadov. Notably, Mahammad Kekalov was reportedly denied the opportunity to speak with his lawyer by phone from Umbaki prison on the same day Samadov met his grandmother.

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