Caspian Wire: Political prisoners face intensifying pressure | November 2025
Hunger strikes, threats in detention, new arrests, and expanded cases against journalists and exiled critics.
Ali Karimli and other members of opposition Popular Front detained
On November 29, APFP chair Ali Karimli and several senior party members were detained and their homes searched. The party says no official grounds have been disclosed and calls the arrests politically motivated, arguing that authorities have long imposed heavy restrictions on Karimli due to his prominent role in Azerbaijan’s democratic opposition. The APFP states that more than 20 members are currently imprisoned on various charges and describes the latest detentions as an effort to eliminate independent political activity and suppress civil liberties.
Government-aligned media report that the detentions are linked to an SSS investigation involving former presidential aide and ex-head of the National Academy of Sciences, Ramiz Mehdiyev, who faces charges including treason and attempting to seize power. Mehdiyev was placed under house arrest in October.
Kanal 13 director Aziz Orucov released
Orujov was released after completing a two-year prison sentence. He was arrested in November 2023 on charges of “unauthorized construction,” later briefly accused of “currency smuggling,” a charge dropped before trial. Orujov rejected the allegations and said his imprisonment was politically motivated.
Political prisoners report threats in detention
At Prison No. 2, political activist Samir Ashurov has been disciplined, and labor rights activist Afiyaddin Mammadov has been placed in a punishment cell, according to Ashurov’s wife. She says the prison chief threatened Ashurov and formally reprimanded him on November 26, while Mammadov was targeted with a provocation before being sent to solitary confinement.
The reported sanctions come days after six political prisoners at the facility—Hafiz Babali, Fazil Gasimov, Afiyaddin Mammadov, Samir Ashurov, Lachin Valiyev, and Mehman Aliyev—announced the creation of a Committee for the Defense of Political Prisoners. The group said it aims to counter smear campaigns in local media and strengthen cooperation with domestic and international organizations advocating for their release.
All six men are serving multi-year sentences on charges ranging from weapons possession to narcotics and financial crimes. They deny wrongdoing and say their prosecutions are politically motivated.
The imprisoned labor rights activist issues a public appeal
Afiyaddin Mammadov has issued a public appeal describing ongoing abuses at Facility No. 2. He accuses prison chief Vusal Aslanov of arbitrary rule, suppressing complaints, and silencing prisoners who protest threats or mistreatment.
Three activists were sent into three-month detention
Communist activists Abdulla Ibrahimli, Ibrahim Asadli, and several unnamed individuals have been placed in pre-trial detention for three months. Authorities allege they attempted to march in Baku on November 26 with Soviet and Azerbaijan SSR flags and accuse them of organizing actions that “disrupt public order.” Their response to the charges remains unknown.
Activist Aykhan Israfilov on hunger strike
Ayxan Israfilov, a board member of the “Worker’s Table” Confederation, has begun a dry hunger strike at the Baku Detention Center, protesting isolation and the confiscation of his personal belongings. A third-degree disabled person, he has been unreachable, and his family fears for his health.
Bakhtiyar Hajiyev was sent to solitary confinement
Civic activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev has been placed in a punishment cell and has started a hunger strike at Facility No. 6, according to his brother. He alleges psychological pressure and says hotline complaints to justice authorities have gone unanswered. Hajiyev, serving a 10-year sentence, denies all charges and maintains that his prosecution is politically motivated.
Detention extended for former VOA Journalist Ulviya Ali and editor Shamshad Agha
Ulviya Ali (Quliyeva), arrested in the “Meydan TV case,” has had her pre-trial detention extended to 27 December. She called legal defense in such trials “pointless.” Ali was arrested in May on aggravated smuggling charges, which she firmly denies.
In a separate ruling, the detention of Argument.az editor Shemshad Agha, also arrested in the “Meydan TV case,” was extended by 20 days. He and other journalists maintain they are being targeted for critical reporting.
Ruslan Izzatli reports a lack of medical care
Toplum TV defendant and III Republic Platform co-founder Ruslan Izzatli says he has been waiting more than a month for an ultrasound exam at the Baku Detention Center. He reports increasing pain and fears he may require gallbladder surgery.
Elman Sheydayev sews his lips, begins a hunger strike
Religious activist Elman Sheydayev, held at Facility No. 6, has sewn his lips shut and started a hunger strike demanding the release of six women arrested in August during a charity event. Sheydayev is serving a seven-year sentence on drug-related charges, he says, which are fabricated.
Toplum TV trial: witnesses say they were coerced
During the latest hearing in the Toplum TV case, witnesses Fidan Alicanova and Cemile Azimova testified that their earlier statements were taken under pressure. A confrontation also broke out between journalist Farid Ismayilov and the prosecutor. Ismayilov requested testimony from Customs Committee head Shahin Baghirov, arguing that customs documents contradict smuggling charges against him. The court rejected the request.
Criminal proceedings intensify against exiled Azerbaijani bloggers and journalists
Baku courts and the Prosecutor General’s Office have recently expanded criminal cases targeting Azerbaijani bloggers and media figures living abroad. Proceedings include multiple in-absentia trials and new arrest warrants.
The Baku Court for Grave Crimes has begun a case against bloggers Tural Sadigli, Elshad Mammadov, Gurban Mammadov, Suleyman Suleymanli, and three others — Ordukhan Teymurkhan, Orkhan Aghayev, and Rafael Piriyev. They face charges ranging from fraud to terrorism-related accusations and calls against the state.
Since June, seven other exiled bloggers have been subjected to in-absentia arrest warrants on similar charges.
Azerbaijani imprisoned journalists listed at Global Investigative Journalism Conference
At the Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC) in Kuala Lumpur, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) displayed a stand featuring the names of detained journalists worldwide under the slogan “Journalism is Not a Crime.” The list included 25 Azerbaijani journalists.
GIJC, organized by the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN), is the world’s largest international gathering of investigative reporters. GIJN unites 250 media organizations from 91 countries and has held the biennial conference since 2001.
Abzas Media journalists describe harsh conditions at the Lankaran Penitentiary
Abzas Media journalists Sevinj Vagifgizi, Nargiz Absalamova, and Elnara Gasimova, who transferred to the newly opened Lankaran Penitentiary Complex, have written detailed accounts of the conditions there.
Ten women prisoners were abruptly moved from Baku’s Prison No. 4 on September 3 without warning and without time to gather their belongings. Upon arrival, they were placed in dusty, neglected cells and instructed to clean the facilities themselves. The penitentiary, previously without a women’s unit, appears grossly unprepared. Two months after the transfer, promised oversight visits have yet to take place.
Former District Head Saleh Rustamov blocked from leaving Azerbaijan, then arrested
Saleh Rustamov, former head of the Gadabey District Executive Authority, has been barred from exiting Azerbaijan. His son, Sezgin Rustamov, reported the issue on Facebook.
Rustamov, a Russian citizen, arrived in Azerbaijan for his niece’s funeral but learned at the airport that a travel restriction had been imposed. Authorities gave no explanation. His lawyer says they have formally appealed to the Interior Ministry and the Prosecutor General’s Office for clarification.
Then on November 29, it was reported that Rustamov was detained by State Security Service (SSS) officers.
Rustamov was imprisoned in 2019 on charges of illegal business activity and money laundering linked to alleged financial support for the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party. He staged a 40-day hunger strike in protest. In May 2022, he was released under a presidential pardon. He has visited Azerbaijan several times since then without incident.
Azerbaijani believer Nigar Bagirova continues hunger strike
Meydan TV journalist Khayala Agayeva, currently held in pretrial detention, has shared a rare interview with fellow inmate Nigar Bagirova — the only one among six detained religious women who continues a hunger strike protesting the extension of their arrest.
Bagirova and five others were detained on August 15 for distributing food in honor of Imam Hussein and chanting pro-Palestine slogans. Although some of the women later suspended their protest due to severe health complications, Bagirova continues. She has now gone 10 days without food, describing shortness of breath, weakness, and rapid heartbeat, yet maintains her defiance: “They fear we will turn the world upside down outside. I’m doing it here.”
She says the group began their strike after their pretrial detention was extended by two more months on November 8. The women insist they committed no crime, and Bagirova demands full acquittal for all: “Either acquittal or martyrdom.”
Baku Detention Center tightens searches after device found on prisoner
Search procedures at the Baku Investigation Detention Center (BIT) have intensified after staff allegedly discovered an electronic device on an inmate, Abzas Media reports. While administrators frame the changes as security measures, sources say they have opened the door to abuse.
Following the incident, internal reshuffles placed a major named Shahriyar in charge of the investigation unit, also giving him control over the visitation area. Sources claim he personally oversees unlawful searches and can bar prisoners from meeting their lawyers.
On 3 November, journalist Ulviya Ali (Guliyeva) was reportedly denied access to her lawyer after objecting to a search. Her legal documents were also examined.
Sources say the searches violate Azerbaijani law, which permits only scanning devices — not physical pat-downs — for inmates en route to lawyer meetings. They allege the administration is weaponizing the incident to pressure political prisoners.
Jailed Abzas Media journalist Hafiz Babali says prison officials block his legal complaints
Hafiz Babali — an investigative journalist sentenced to nine years in the “Abzas Media case” has appealed to Justice Minister Farid Ahmadov and Ombudsperson Sabina Aliyeva, claiming his rights are being violated. His appeal was published on Facebook.
Babali says pro-government media outlets, including several television channels, have launched a smear campaign accusing him of crimes such as “illegal financing,” “smuggling foreign currency,” and “anti-state activity.” He has filed civil and private criminal complaints demanding protection of his reputation and accountability for what he calls false accusations.
However, since 6 November, officials at Penitentiary Facility No. 2 have allegedly refused to send his legal petitions by mail, preventing the complaints from reaching the courts:
“For reasons unknown to me, the administration is not forwarding my applications to the courts. They cannot justify this unlawful restriction of my rights.”
Babali argues that those spreading criminal allegations must prove them before a judge:
“Media representatives accusing me of serious crimes must prove it in court. Why is the Penitentiary Service obstructing justice?”
He submitted a formal request on 21 November demanding the return of his withheld applications.
Babali was detained in December 2023 along with Abzas Media director Ulvi Hasanli, editor-in-chief Sevinj Vagifqizi, project coordinator Mahammad Kekalov, journalists Elnara Gasimova and Nargiz Absalamova, and Radio Liberty reporter and economist Farid Mehralizade.
On 20 June 2025, the Baku Court on Grave Crimes sentenced Hasanli, Vagifqizi, Babali, and Mehralizade to nine years; Absalamova and Gasimova to eight years; and Kekalov to seven years and six months. The Court of Appeal upheld the verdict on 9 September.
International media and human rights organizations describe the case as part of a broader crackdown on independent journalism in Azerbaijan.
Court hears final witnesses in extortion case against political analyst Azer Gasimli
On 19 November, the Baku Court on Grave Crimes held another hearing in the criminal case against political analyst and director of the Institute for Political Management Azer Gasimli.
According to Toplum TV, the session featured testimony from Salmina Yusifova, mother of the alleged victim Qurbanali Yusifov, who accuses Gasimli of threatening him.
Yusifova told the court her son had admitted owing Gasimli money but said he did not intend to repay it: “My son told me on the phone he owed money to Azer Gasimli but wouldn’t return it.” She said she learned during a previous trial in Mingachevir that her son’s debt amounted to USD 45,000.
The judge and prosecutor noted discrepancies between her court statements and earlier investigation testimony, in which she claimed Gasimli had threatened her son. Under questioning, she said she had only heard this from her husband, who had heard it from their son. The judge responded that she did not seem to understand what constitutes a threat.
Gasimli directly asked her whether she had ever witnessed any threat. She replied that she had not.
Defense lawyer Rovshana Rahimova emphasized that none of the prosecution’s witnesses had actually seen any threat occur, and attempted to request the removal of their statements from the case file. The judge declined, saying there was “no time.”
With witness questioning now complete, the next hearing is scheduled for 10 December.
Gasimli was arrested on 8 December 2024 and charged under Article 182.2.3 (extortion with threat of violence). He rejects the accusation as politically motivated. Gasimli previously served 30 days of administrative detention for leading a 2018 protest in Baku. Human rights groups say Azerbaijan currently holds 392 political prisoners.
New court hearing in case against activists Anar Abdulla and Anar Mammadli
On 17 November, the Baku Court of Grave Crimes held a new hearing in the case of civil activist Anar Abdulla and election-monitoring expert Anar Mammadli, the head of the Election Monitoring and Democracy Studies Center (EMDS).
Defense lawyer Javad javadov requested official documents from Azerbaijan’s representative to the European Court of Human Rights, arguing that they undermine the legal basis of the charges. He noted that although the ECtHR ruled in 2018 that Mammadli’s previous arrest was unlawful, that conviction remains on record and is now being used as an aggravating factor.
The court also referenced a 2023 ECtHR decision stating that EMDS’s failure to obtain registration was a violation of freedom of association — yet authorities now cite the same issue to support new charges.
Abdullah testified and answered prosecutors’ questions. The next hearing is scheduled for 8 December.
Both men deny the charges, which include smuggling and financial crimes.
“Meydan TV Case”: Journalist Nurlan Libre writes from detention
Eight months after his arrest, journalist Nurlan Gahramanov (Libre) has published a detailed letter from the Baku Detention Center recounting his apprehension, his work with Meydan TV, and the broader crackdown on independent journalism.
Libre describes being detained by masked officers, losing an unfinished report to police, and witnessing widespread abuse in detention including fabricated drug and weapons charges. He writes that despite the risks, he has no regrets about reporting for Meydan TV and vows to continue documenting prison conditions.
Court redirects complaint of researcher Bahruz Samadov held in solitary confinement
On 17 November, a court hearing was held on the complaint filed by imprisoned academic Bahruz Samadov, who says he was unlawfully placed in solitary confinement (“kars”) at Prison No. 11. Samadov and his lawyer Zibeyda Sadigova addressed the court, but the case was dismissed on jurisdictional grounds and sent to the Baku Administrative Court.
Samadov, known for his research on the Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict and critical writings about the government, was arrested by the DTX in August 2024 and charged with high treason. He denies the accusation and was sentenced to 15 years on 23 June.
Imprisoned editor Sevinj Vagifgizi wins RSF Courage Award
Sevinc Vagifqizi, jailed editor-in-chief of Abzas Media, has received Reporters Without Borders’ (RSF) 2025 Courage Award, presented at the organization’s 40th anniversary festival in Paris.
The award was accepted on her behalf by Abzas Media director Günel Səfərova, who read a letter from Vagifqizi. RSF praised her as “a symbol of dignity and hope” for her unwavering commitment to truth under pressure.
Vagifqizi is one of seven people imprisoned in the “AbzasMedia case.”
In June 2025, the Baku Court of Grave Crimes sentenced Vagifqizi, director Ülvi Həsənli, investigative journalist Hafiz Babali, and economist Farid Mehralizade to nine years in prison. Two reporters received eight years, and deputy director Məhəmməd Kekalov was sentenced to seven and a half.
All reject the charges including smuggling and say they were jailed for investigating corruption.
Talysh activist Kamal Isayev reportedly detained in Istanbul and transferred to Azerbaijan
Talysh activist Kamal Isayev was allegedly detained in Istanbul and transferred to Azerbaijan by the State Security Service (DTX), his wife Aida Isayeva told OC Media. The couple, both Russian citizens, have long lived in Moscow.
She last heard from him on 7 November. According to her, Isayev had traveled to Turkey for medical treatment related to chronic stomach ulcers and had planned to return on 8 November. After days of silence and attempts to reach lawyers in Turkey, she learned from relatives in Baku that he had been taken to Azerbaijan.
Isayeva says her husband has advocated for Talysh cultural and linguistic rights and has defended politically motivated detainees.
The Talysh are Azerbaijan’s largest minority, estimated at 500,000 to one million people, and have long pushed for cultural rights, including education in their language.
There is confusion over Isayev’s citizenship status. His wife maintains he never obtained an Azerbaijani passport after the USSR collapsed. His name does not appear in Azerbaijan’s publicly accessible voter registry.
The case echoes the disappearance of Talysh historian Zahiraddin Ibrahimov, who vanished in Yekaterinburg in March. His family later received a letter from the DTX listing charges including treason.
Azerbaijan’s Media Development Agency (MEDIA) announced new rules for its print media support program
On 13 November, Azerbaijan’s Media Development Agency (MEDIA) announced new rules for its print media support program. Under the changes, only one issue per week of each newspaper will be eligible for state funding. The agency cites rising printing and paper costs and the need to shift resources toward digital transformation, arguing that the measure will ease financial pressure on newsrooms and strengthen their online presence.
A day later, on 14 November, Səs newspaper in operation for 35 years confirmed it will switch to a weekly schedule and lay off staff.
Azerbaijan’s print sector has shrunk steadily since the late 1990s. Circulation collapsed in the 2010s as advertising revenue dried up and printing costs soared, pushing many daily and independent papers to close or move fully online.
The 2022 Media Law and the introduction of a media registry added new layers of regulation, further constraining the sector in 2023–2024.
Prosecutor General’s office summons exiled journalist Sevinc Osmangizi and blogger Abid Gafarov
The Prosecutor General’s Office has summoned journalist Sevinc Osmangizi, who lives abroad, and blogger Abid Qafarov.
Osmanqızı is charged under Article 220.2 of the Criminal Code (calling for active disobedience to lawful orders of government officials, mass unrest, or violence against citizens) and Article 281.2 (public calls against the state — when committed repeatedly or by a group).
A search has been announced for her, and on the same date, the Binagadi District Court ordered her arrest in absentia.
The Investigative Department of the Prosecutor General’s Office has sent an official notice to blogger Abid Gafarov. Gafarov is charged under the same articles of the Criminal Code as Osmangizi.
Because he is currently outside the country, a search has been declared for him, and the Binagadi District Court has also ordered his arrest in absentia.
In March of this year, authorities opened investigations into exiled bloggers and online critics. Arrest warrants in absentia have been issued against them, and at least three bloggers have already been sentenced in absentia.
Political analyst Altay Goyushov and commentator Arastun Orujlu were summoned by the Prosecutor General’s office
The Prosecutor General’s Office has also summoned political analyst Altay Goyushov and commentator Arastun Oruclu. Both are charged under Article 281.2 of the Criminal Code (public calls against the state, committed repeatedly or by a group) and 220.2 (calls for active disobedience to lawful orders of authorities, mass unrest, or violence). An arrest order in absentia has been issued for both.
The Prosecutor’s Office alleges that Goyushov published statements calling for violence against the current government on several online platforms, and that Oruclu — together with others acting as a group — made and disseminated public calls encouraging violent action against the legally constituted authorities of Azerbaijan.
Government-affiliated media targets BBC
In a series of articles published by government-aligned media outlets, the BBC World Service was targeted for its allegedly biased coverage of the country, including the coverage of the Second Karabakh war. The targeting comes amid a lawsuit launched by President Trump against the BBC for editing one of the President’s January 6, 2021, speeches.
BBC was forced to shut down its service in Azerbaijan and suspend its operations in February, while its journalists lost their accreditation. In the latest wave of targeted campaigns, former journalists affiliated with the outlet are accused of continuing their work illegally.
Three opposition party members detained
Three Popular Front Party members, Valishan Hasanov, Farid Guliev, Faig Naghiyev were taken into administrative detention. No formal criminal charges have been announced. Guliev and Naghiyev have been remanded to pre-trial detention for 30 days. Hasanov’s detention duration is currently unclear. At least 11 members have been detained since March, according to the party’s leader, Ali Karimli.
Tbilisi-based Azerbaijani journalist re-arrested
Afgan Sadigov was re-arrested and sentenced to another 7 days of administrative detention in court on November 12. On October 23, he was sentenced to 14 days in administrative detention. The journalist is also facing 44 fines totaling 85,000 euros.
Nargiz Absalamova receives Free Media Award
Sentenced to eight years behind bars, Abzas Media journalist, Nargiz Absalamova, was honored with the Free Media Award in Hamburg. The award presented by Norway’s Fritt Ord Foundation and Germany’s ZEIT Stiftung Bucerius was accepted on Absalamova’s behalf by Abzas Media director Gunel Safarova. The award honors journalists who defend freedom of expression and continue professional reporting despite censorship and political pressure. Absalamova continues reporting from prison on the ongoing and systematic problems within Azerbaijan’s penitentiary system.
Jailed opposition politician Tofig Yagublu receives an award
On November 11, Tofig Yagublu received the Courage Award from the World Liberty Congress. Yagublu was arrested in December 2023 and sentenced to nine years in March 2025.
Queer teenager stabbed to death by a relative
Yasin Ibadov (also known as Ruzgar), a 19-year-old queer person in Baku, was fatally stabbed. Investigators have arrested uncle Babak Ibadov (38) has been arrested by investigators and reportedly has a prior criminal record. His motive hasn’t been officially stated, but speculation links it to Yasin’s sexual orientation. Azerbaijan ranks as the second-worst country in Europe for queer rights after Russia.
Afiyaddin Mammadov not allowed phone calls
Labor rights activist Afiyaddin Mammadov has had his right to make phone calls restricted at Penitentiary Facility No. 2. According to his relatives, the restriction was imposed following his most recent interview with journalist Ulviya Ali, who was herself arrested in connection with the “Meydan TV case.” After the interview was published, the facility’s administration suspended Mammadov’s phone access, making it impossible for his family or colleagues to contact him.
In the interview, Mammadov described harsh conditions in detention and claimed that sick prisoners were being denied medical care. His comments reportedly angered the prison administration.
Appeal court upholds the ban on journalist Aytaj Tapdig’s right to marry
Baku Court of Appeal reviewed the complaint regarding the restriction placed on imprisoned journalist Aytaj Tapdıg’s right to marry in connection with the “Meydan TV case.” The court rejected the complaint and upheld a prior decision preventing the journalist from marrying her partner.
Journalist Ulviyya Ali prevented from meeting her lawyer
Ali, was refused the meeting because she protested the body search that was conducted prior to her meeting. The family believes this is a reprimand against Ali, who has publicized prison management preventing her mother from visiting Ali. The family had to wait for an hour and a half on no grounds or justification before they were finally allowed to meet Ali. Family believes this is a reprimand against Ali, who has publicized prison management preventing her mother from visiting Ali.
Activist’s father physically assaulted
The father of civic activist and PhD candidate Vafa Nagi was physically assaulted by a man while having dinner at a restaurant. The man reportedly beat her father while using derogatory language against Vafa Nagi. Nagi is known in her native town for her outspoken criticism of the local authorities and her candidacy in local elections during which she was subjected to intimidation and threats. Nagi lost the election on an orchestrated election day, with the results predetermined.
Farid Mehralizada among recipients of the John Aubuchon Press Freedom Award
According to the National Press Club, “This year’s award highlights nine USAGM-affiliated reporters who remain in prison across several authoritarian countries.”
Farid Mehralizada is an Azerbaijani economist and journalist with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Azerbaijani Service, known for his expert analysis of economic policy and its impact on citizens. He has also contributed to various independent outlets, including occasional commentary for AbzasMedia. He was arrested in May 2024 as part of an investigation into Abzas Media and was sentenced to 9 years in June 2025.
The editor-in-chief was sent into pre-trial detention
Editor-in-Chief Vugar Mammadov was sent to 3 months and 13 days of pretrial detention on October 31. Mammadov was detained on October 30, after the State Security Service (DTX) searched the office of Hurriyyet. Mammadov is accused of extortion.