Azerbaijani Activists Protest in Washington, Demanding the Release of Political Prisoners and Democracy

Washington, D.C. became the site of a series of protests by Azerbaijani activists and migrants, who gathered outside the White House and the hotel where Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev was staying. Co-founder of the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS), Emin Huseynov, produced a video report from these rallies, capturing key moments of the protests and the voices of participants.

These demonstrations coincided with a meeting between Ilham Aliyev, Nikol Pashinyan, and Donald Trump. The protesters’ main demand was the immediate release of all political prisoners in Azerbaijan and the establishment of genuine democracy.

Participants expressed deep concern over the human rights situation in Azerbaijan, stressing that the country has more than 375 political prisoners — a figure described as “deeply shameful for Azerbaijan.”

Rahim Yagublu, the son of opposition political leader Tofig Yagublu, stated that Azerbaijan ranks second in Europe in terms of the number of political prisoners, calling it “a terrible figure on a global scale.” Specific names were mentioned, including Rufat Safarov, Tofig Yagublu, Gubad Ibadoghlu, as well as journalists Sevinj Vagifgizi and Fatima Mavlamli.

The protesters voiced deep disappointment and a lack of hope that the meeting would bring any meaningful positive change to human rights in Azerbaijan or lead to genuine peace.

They said they have “not the slightest hope” for improvement as long as political prisoners remain behind bars: “In Azerbaijan, everything is dictated by Ilham Aliyev,” using the phrase “Ilham qoysa” (“if Ilham allows”) instead of “Allah qoysa” (“God willing”).

Many protesters described the Azerbaijani government as a dictatorship and criticized its “fake democracy.”

Regarding the Trump–Aliyev–Pashinyan meeting, skepticism was high about whether it would lead to real peace or democracy. Emin Huseynov viewed it only as “an intention for peace, not an actual peace agreement.”

Some saw the meeting as “a show” or “political theater” aimed at boosting Aliyev’s legitimacy and possibly “jabbing at Putin.”

Despite low expectations, the protesters were determined to make their voices heard. They held signs reading “Freedom for Political Prisoners!” and “Stop the Dictatorship!”

As President Aliyev was leaving his hotel, Emin Huseynov attempted to ask him a question. The president clearly saw the journalists and protest signs but chose to deliberately ignore the questions, quickening his pace without saying a word. His security personnel tried to push journalists and protesters aside.