Caspian Wire: Azerbaijan human rights crackdown| December 2025
Azerbaijan’s human rights crackdown has intensified in recent weeks, with courts targeting journalists, opposition figures facing extended detention, and growing international concern over judicial independence and the rule of law.
Kanal 11 case
The Supreme Court reviewed a cassation appeal in the case of imprisoned Kanal 11 online TV head Teymur Karimov. On December 24, the court partially upheld the appeal and reduced Karimov’s sentence by two years. He had previously been sentenced to eight years in prison and banned from journalism for two years. The appellate court had earlier reduced the sentence by one year. Karimov and co-defendant Istek Totiyeva were convicted under Article 182.2.1 (extortion committed by a group). Totiyeva received a suspended sentence with a two-year probation period. Karimov denied the charges, saying his arrest was linked to his journalistic work.
Meydan TV trial
On December 22, the Baku Serious Crimes Court held a preliminary hearing in the “Meydan TV case.”
It was announced that the State Tax Service had filed a civil claim in the case. Defense lawyer Zibeyda Sadiqova requested permission for audio recording and filming, citing public interest and the fact that all defendants are journalists. The court rejected the request but said the hearings are open and journalists may attend and take notes.
The court also granted a request by Meydan TV editor-in-chief Aynur Elgunesh (Ganbarova) to return her disability and internally displaced person documents, which had not been returned after the investigation.
Special quarantine regime extended again
Azerbaijan extended the special quarantine regime until April 1, 2026. The decision was signed into force on December 19, by the Prime Minister Ali Asadov.
A special quarantine regime has been in place in Azerbaijan since early March 2020, when land borders were closed following the global spread of COVID-19.
Amnesty law adopted
On December 19, the Milli Majlis (Azerbaijan’s National Parliament) adopted a draft law “On declaring an amnesty on the occasion of the Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty.” More than 20,000 people will benefit from the amnesty.
According to available information, persons convicted of crimes posing no great public danger, less serious crimes, or crimes committed through negligence may be released or have the unserved portion of their sentences reduced.
Independent lawyers note that most individuals recognized as political prisoners by international organizations are charged with serious or especially serious crimes, making it highly unlikely that they will benefit from the amnesty.
Parliament rejects European Parliament resolution
On December 19, the Milli Majlis adopted a statement responding to a resolution by the European Parliament on the political situation in Azerbaijan.
The statement says that the Milli Majlis strongly condemns the resolution and considers it an attempt to undermine the rule of law and interfere in judicial proceedings, accusing the European Parliament of using human rights issues for “provocative purposes.”
The European Parliament resolution adopted on December 17, calls on the Azerbaijani government to immediately release all political prisoners, ensure fair trials, and end pressure. It also protests the arrest of opposition leader Ali Karimli and demands his immediate release, stressing that future partnership agreements with Azerbaijan should depend on real progress in human rights, rule of law, and the release of political prisoners.
Ali Karimli’s appeal rejected
On December 19, the Baku Court of Appeal considered and rejected an appeal seeking the transfer of Ali Karimli, chair of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), to house arrest, upholding the Sabail District Court’s decision.
Karimli was detained on November 29 and charged on December 1 under Article 278.1 of the Criminal Code (actions aimed at forcibly seizing power or changing the constitutional order). He was placed in pretrial detention for two months and 15 days. Pro-government media claim his detention is linked to the “Ramiz Mehdiyev case.”
Trial of detained political analyst Azer Gasimli continues
On December 17, the Baku Grave Crimes Court held another hearing in the case of Azer Gasimli, the detained director of the Institute for Political Management. As documents were read out, the defense questioned the alleged victim, Gurbanali Yusifov, who claims that Gasimli threatened him over a debt.
It emerged that Yusifov told the interior minister in a written complaint that Gasimli threatened him in an office, but admitted in court that he had no physical evidence or witnesses. Claims that Gasimli arranged threats via the Turkish mafia were also not supported by documentary evidence, despite earlier assertions that screenshots existed.
Further contradictions were revealed between Yusifov’s statements during the investigation and his testimony in court.
The trial will continue on December 24.
Gasimli was detained on December 8, 2024, charged under Article 182.2.3 of the Criminal Code (extortion involving violence), and placed in pretrial detention. He says his arrest is politically motivated and the charges are fabricated.
Opposition activist dies in custody
Elbayi Kerimli, a member of the opposition Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP), died by suicide on December 12 at Medical Unit No. 2 of a penal facility where he was being held. According to APFP and Meydan TV, he hanged himself; the motive remains unknown. The Justice Ministry said the Khazar District Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation.
Kerimli was arrested in August 2023 after writing “Stalin” on a statue of former president Heydar Aliyev. He later told his lawyer that police threatened him with fabricated charges unless he accepted a drug-related accusation. In 2024, he was sentenced to six years in prison on drug trafficking charges, which was later reduced to five years by the Supreme Court.
In absentia hearing and arrest in the case of Ganimat Zahid
Ganimat Zahid, the editor-in-chief of Azadliq newspaper, who is living in exile, went on trial in absentia on charges of public calls against the state. On December 23, Zahid was sentenced in absentia to seven years in prison on charges of disseminating “public calls encouraging the use of violence against the current government” on YouTube on July 4 and 18, 2018.
Trials Begin for MeydanTV Journalists After One Year in Detention
The long-awaited trial of MeydanTV journalists, who have been held for nearly a year, began with a pretrial hearing on December 12.
During the session, the defendants’ personal details were verified. In line with procedure, state-appointed lawyers were assigned to each defendant; all declined these lawyers and stated that their own legal counsel represented them.
The defense then submitted several motions. Lawyers requested that the defendants be allowed to sit in the courtroom during hearings. The court granted the motion and said it would be implemented at the next session.
The court also approved a defense request to transfer detained journalists Ramin Jabrayilzade (Deko), Natiq Javadli, and Ulvi Tahirov from Detention Facility No. 3 to the Baku Pretrial Detention Center.
A motion to dismiss the case was denied.
There are 12 journalists arrested as part of the MeydanTV case:
Aynur Gambarova (Elgunash), Aysel Umudova, Natiq Javadli, Aytac Ahmadova (Tapdiq), Khayala Agayeva, Ramin Jabrayilzade (Deko), as well as Ulvi Tahirov, deputy director of the Baku School of Journalism.
In February, three more journalists — Shamshad Agayev, Nurlan Gahramanli (Libre), and Fatima Movlamli — were arrested in connection with the same case.
In May, journalist Ulviya Guliyeva (Ali) and photojournalist Ahmad Mukhtar were also detained.
All deny the charges and say they are being punished for exposing corruption and official misconduct, including reports implicating high-level government figures.
Blogger Rashad Ramazanov was placed in solitary confinement
Imprisoned blogger Rashad Ramazanov has been transferred to a punishment cell (“karser”) at Prison No. 11, according to his wife, Konul Ismayilova. She learned of the move on November 26 during a scheduled prison visit; no explanation was given.
Ramazanov was sentenced in 2022 to 5 years and 4 months on drug trafficking charges. During his imprisonment, he has repeatedly faced pressure, disciplinary punishment, and transfers between facilities.
He was previously imprisoned on similar charges in 2013, released early in 2019, and rearrested in 2022 after returning from Georgia.
Allegations of abuse and ill-treatment in detention
Muslim Unity Movement member Tarlan Sayadov says he was beaten and placed in solitary confinement (“karser”) after requesting a prayer mat. He claims he was targeted for his religious beliefs.
Nigar Bagirova, a detained religious activist, is in critical condition after 33 days on hunger strike. She reportedly collapsed and suffered head injuries.
Ruslan Izzetli, a detainee in the “Toplum TV case,” is suffering from severe gallbladder pain and high blood pressure. Doctors say he urgently needs surgery that cannot be performed in prison.
Journalist Hafiz Babali (“AbzasMedia case”) reports worsening health, including a serious leg infection, while being denied proper medical treatment.
Soldier killed at border guard unit – family alleges torture
On December 4, 18-year-old conscript Alikarim Gulaliyev was fatally shot in the right side of the head.
The family says authorities have not provided details. An investigation is reportedly underway at the Lankaran Military Prosecutor’s Office.
In an appeal to Border Guard Service chief Elchin Guliyev, Gulaliyev’s father said his son was tortured to death. While official examination confirmed death by gunshot, the family claims the body showed signs of severe injuries, bruising, and blackened fingertips. Villagers say Alikarim repeatedly asked to see his father shortly before his death.
Neither the Military Prosecutor’s Office nor the State Border Service has issued a public statement. Relatives allege local authorities are pressuring the family not to speak to the media. Azerbaijan has a history of non-combat deaths among conscripts in the Azerbaijani army, with concerns of persistent lack of transparency, accountability, and meaningful reforms.
Researcher Bahruz Sammadov Transferred to Umbaki High-Security Prison for One Year
On December 1, a hearing was held inside Correctional Facility No. 11 regarding the institution’s complaint about transferring Charles University (Czech Republic) doctoral researcher Bahruz Sammadov to the Umbaki Closed Penitentiary. Judge Samir Nasibov upheld the complaint, ordering Sammadov’s relocation to the strict-regime section of Umbaki for one year.
His lawyer, Zibeyda Sadigova, is expected to file an appeal.
The Umbaki Penitentiary Complex is known for its harsher regime compared to other facilities.
Journalist Shamshad Agha: “This Process Is Controlled Directly by Ilham Aliyev”
At a November 28 hearing at Khatai District Court, journalist Shamshad Agha, editor-in-chief of arqument.az and one of those arrested in the “Meydan TV case,” addressed the Prosecutor General’s request to extend his pre-trial detention.
He argued that neither the prosecution nor the court had real authority in the case:
“You cannot make independent decisions in a process controlled by Ilham Aliyev. Everyone knows the journalists arrested in the Meydan TV case were detained not for a crime, but for their professional work.”
He said the proceedings have no legal basis and compared the 31-volume case file to a “fairy tale.” “What has been ordered will simply be carried out,” Agha stated.
Popular Front Party Chair Ali Karimli and party board member Mammad Ibrahim arrested – pressure on the party continues
Opposition Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (AXCP) chair Ali Karimli and board member Mammad Ibrahim were detained on November 29. Courts later ordered 2 months and 15 days of pre-trial detention for both on charges under Article 278.1 — “actions aimed at seizing power or overthrowing the constitutional order by force.”
Police cordoned off the area around the courthouse during the hearings.
Government-aligned media allege the arrests are linked to the ongoing criminal investigation involving former presidential administration head Ramiz Mehdiyev, though both Karimli and the party deny any connection. AXCP describes the arrests as a new wave of political repression.
The State Security Service searched Karimli’s home. Other party members were temporarily detained and later released.
National Council chair Jamil Hasanli was also summoned as a witness and says he was prevented from leaving the country earlier in November. Hasanli was called in for questioning at the State Security Service on December 15.
New charges – forging or illegally producing, selling a certificate or other official document (under the Criminal Code)- were brought against Novruz Tagiyev on December 14, Karimli’s bodyguard, who has been in detention since May. His lawyer says he has been denied family visits and food deliveries.
Member Vugar Gadirli was reportedly detained after police searches of his home and workplace. Gadirli was sent into three-month pretrial detention on alleged arms possession charges on December 13. Tazaxan Miralamli, head of APFP’s Central Audit Commission, was briefly detained and later released after being questioned as a witness. Searches were conducted at the home of Elnur Seyidov, Karimli’s brother-in-law and a former political prisoner. On December 16, Murad Sultan, the Chairman of the Control-Inspection Commission of the party, was sentenced to 30 days of administrative detention. Sultan had been missing since the afternoon of December 16 before his detention was confirmed by the party. He is a Karabakh war veteran who suffers from serious health problems. This is not his first arrest; he has been detained administratively on several previous occasions. On December 24, the Baku Court of Appeal reduced the administrative detention of Sultan, from 30 days to 25 days.
“Toplum TV Case” – Witness testimony under question
On December 15, during the court session in the “Toplum TV case” Araz Aliyev, a founding member of the 3rd Republic Platform, stated that technical equipment confiscated during his administrative arrest has not yet been returned, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has provided no explanation. Ramil Babayev, an employee of the Institute for Democratic Initiatives (IDI), filed a motion demanding that police and prosecutor’s office employees who committed illegalities during the investigation be held accountable. The motion was supported by another defendant, Akif Gurbanov, head of IDI and speaker for the 3rd Republic Platform. The court denied the motion.
Alasgar Mammadli, co-founder of “Toplum TV” and a media expert, submitted another motion to be released to house arrest for surgical treatment. This was his 10th request for house arrest. He argued that all witnesses within the country have been questioned, eliminating the state prosecutor’s previously alleged concern that he might influence witnesses. State prosecutor objected, claiming Mammadli could instead influence the judge this time. The court also denied this motion. Mammadli noted that all his previous requests for house arrest transfer required legal justification, yet the prosecutor’s claim about him influencing the judge was made without any such requirement.
During the hearing Ruslan Izzatli addressed the court about the conditions in the Baku Investigation Isolator where he is detained. He pointed out that the medical unit lacks basic equipment like a blood pressure monitor. While an Ultrasound (US) machine is available, there is no doctor to operate it, despite the facility housing over 4,000 prisoners. He stressed that multiple complaints on this matter have been ignored. Over the following days, his health condition worsened. His wife said he urgently needs gallbladder surgery and warns of life-threatening complications, calling for his release.
On December 1, the Baku Court on Grave Crimes continued hearings in the “Toplum TV case.” Defense lawyers highlighted major contradictions in the testimony of witness Ali Fatullayev, who attended trainings held by the Institute for Democratic Initiatives (IDI).
Fatullayev reportedly changed his statement regarding IDI’s funding after police told him his confiscated phone would be returned only if he agreed to testify again — something the defense says amounts to pressure.
Gultekin Hajibeyli detained in Turkey, facing deportation
National Council member Gultekin Hajibeyli reported on Facebook that Turkish law enforcement officers detained her at her Istanbul residence. She says her 90-day visa-free stay is still valid, and she holds a two-year residency permit. According to her, no legal basis for the detention was provided, and the move is being carried out at Azerbaijan’s request.
Despite having an IELTS exam the next morning, she was taken to a police station.
AXCP member Fuad Gahramanli later stated she was transferred to the Arnavutköy deportation center, and that she may be returned to Azerbaijan within hours.
There has been no official comment from Turkish or Azerbaijani authorities.
On December 15 in a post on Facebook, Hajibeyli shared the news that she has been issued a five-year deportation order from Turkey.
Nigar Baghirova continues hunger strike amid health deterioration
Nigar Baghirova, one of six religious women arrested on August 15, continues a hunger strike in protest of the recent two-month extension of her pre-trial detention.
According to Abzas Media, Baghirova has lost significant weight and is suffering from dizziness, heart palpitations, chest pain, nausea, and severe weakness. She says she is not receiving proper medical care at the Baku Pre-Trial Detention Center.
The women were arrested for allegedly organizing an ashura food-giving ceremony and chanting slogans in support of Palestine — though some detainees reportedly did not participate in the event at all.
Baghirova is currently the only detainee who has continued the hunger strike.
Religious prisoner begins hunger strike, sews mouth shut
Religious activist Elman Sheydayev, held at Prison No. 6, began a hunger strike on November 24 and reportedly sewed his mouth shut.
Sheydayev is demanding the release of six religious women detained in August while distributing charity food in Baku. He was sentenced to seven years in prison in June 2023 on drug-related charges, which he denies. Human rights groups consider him a political prisoner.
Separately, another religious activist, Tarlan Sayadov, who is also a member of the Movement for Muslim Unity (MMU), was reportedly beaten and placed in solitary confinement (“kartser”) shortly after being transferred to Umbakı Closed Prison in November 2025.
State Security Service granted sweeping access to citizens’ personal data
A newly published regulation briefly posted on the Azerbaijani president’s website—and later removed—grants the State Security Service (SSS) extensive access to personal data of Azerbaijani citizens and residents collected across several key ministries and state institutions. Under the regulation, the SSS would gain access via the e-government system to: passport records, border crossings, real-time video surveillance, citizenship status, foreign nationals’ data, to name a few. The sudden removal of the regulation from the website has raised transparency and privacy concerns.