Caspian Wire | The crackdown on dissent continues | April 2026

This bulletin tracks April’s sharp uptick in international engagement on Azerbaijan. The Council of Europe’s anti-torture committee resumed talks in Baku, the European Court of Human Rights opened or decided several cases against the government, UN Special Rapporteurs sent fresh inquiries, and the Clooney Foundation for Justice graded the Tofig Yagublu trial a “D.” Domestically, the wives of political prisoners are now being prosecuted, journalists’ cassation appeals were rejected by the Supreme Court, and detention conditions continue to deteriorate.

SAMIRA GASIMLI’S TRAVEL BAN AND TARGETED PROSECUTION

Travel Ban at Baku Airport

In mid-April, Samira Gasimli, wife of imprisoned political analyst Azer Gasimli, director of the Political Management Institute, was prevented from boarding a flight to Europe at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. Border officials told her the Ministry of Internal Affairs had imposed a travel ban. She had been planning to address international platforms on Azerbaijan’s political prisoners, an activity she has pursued for the seventeen months since her husband’s December 2024 arrest.

Two days earlier, the same private complainant who triggered her husband’s case, Gurbanali Yusibov, had filed a private prosecution against her at Binagadi District Court under Article 147 of the Criminal Code (defamation), over her social media posts about the case. The travel ban was imposed before that complaint had been formally accepted into proceedings, in apparent breach of domestic procedure.

“The authorities want the wives of political prisoners not to advocate for them — to sit at home, cry, and wait for their husbands’ release.”

— Samira Gasimli, after the Binagadi District Court hearing

First Hearing — 24 April

On 24 April, the first hearing in the private prosecution opened at Binagadi District Court before Judge Zamig Bagirov. Samira Gasimli orally requested transfer of the case to Yasamal District Court, on whose territory the alleged “offence” (her social-media posts from her home) occurred. The proceedings were adjourned without examination. The next hearing is scheduled for 1 May.

Her husband Azer Gasimli was sentenced on 11 March 2026 to twelve years’ imprisonment by the Baku Court of Grave Crimes under Article 182.2.3 of the Criminal Code (extortion), in a case where the alleged victim was on record as owing the defendant money under a final court judgment.

COUNCIL OF EUROPE, ECtHR & UN STEP IN

CPT Delegation Returns to Baku

On 2 April, a delegation of the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), led by President Alan Mitchell, held high-level meetings in Baku — the first since Azerbaijan’s authorities suspended cooperation with the Committee in July 2024 in what the CPT had termed a serious breach of the European Convention. Talks focused on implementation of the CPT’s long-standing recommendations on law enforcement, penitentiary and psychiatric facilities, and on the findings of the September–October 2025 periodic visit transmitted to the government in mid-March 2026.

The delegation met Interior Minister Vilayat Eyvazov, Deputy Justice Minister Toghrul Huseynov and Deputy Health Minister Nadir Zeynalov. The delegation also included CPT member for Moldova Victor Zaharia, former CPT Vice-President Therese Rytter (who led the 2025 visit), and a head of unit from the CPT Secretariat. Azerbaijan’s voting rights in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) remain suspended since 2024 over its non-compliance with human rights obligations.

PACE Rapporteur Demands Immediate Release of Anar Mammadli

On the second anniversary of the detention of Anar Mammadli, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe’s General Rapporteur for political prisoners, Azadeh Rojhan (Sweden, SOC), issued a statement calling for his immediate release. Rojhan recalled that Mammadli — a prominent human rights defender, election monitor and 2014 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize laureate — faces multiple charges believed to be in retaliation for his civic participation, independent election monitoring and cooperation with international organisations. She noted that the European Court of Human Rights had previously found Mammadli’s earlier prosecution was aimed at silencing him as a civil society activist, and that the current case “follows similar patterns and raises serious questions about Azerbaijan’s compliance with its international obligations.”

“Mr. Mammadli’s detention must also be viewed within a broader context of increasing restrictions on civil society, independent media and human rights defenders in Azerbaijan. The use of criminal law in such circumstances risks further undermining the rule of law and the effective protection of fundamental freedoms. I call on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately release Mr Mammadli and promptly review the charges against him, in line with Azerbaijan’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.”

— Azadeh Rojhan, PACE General Rapporteur for political prisoners

8 Organisations Invoke Article 52 ECHR for Afgan Sadigov

Eight human rights organisations addressed an open appeal to Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset over the case of journalist Afgan Sadigov, deported by Georgia to Azerbaijan on the night of 5 April despite an interim measure issued by the European Court of Human Rights. The organisations called on the Secretary General to invoke Article 52 of the European Convention on Human Rights requesting an explanation from Georgia, to commission an independent review, to appoint a special representative for the South Caucasus, and to ensure Sadigov’s protection and family reunification.

“This is not an isolated case. It is the latest episode of a decade of repression accompanied by the Council of Europe’s soft reactions, which embolden Azerbaijani authorities and lower the threshold of acceptable conduct for other states. The credibility of Europe’s human rights system is at stake.”

— Joint appeal of 8 NGOs to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe

European Court of Human Rights — Three April Decisions

In April, the European Court of Human Rights issued a fine against Azerbaijan over the travel ban imposed on investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova. The Court joined two of her applications, finding that domestic courts had refused to lift the ban, including for invitations to international conferences and for accompanying her mother to heart surgery in Turkey, without any individualised assessment, in violation of her freedom of movement, private and family life, and freedom of expression.

The Strasbourg Court also communicated to the Azerbaijani government a joined application titled “Khadija Ismayilova and Others v. Azerbaijan,” raising the systematic use of exit bans against 15 journalists and civic activists, including currently detained Meydan TV journalists Ulviyya Ali (Guliyeva), Aynur Elgunash (Ganbarova), Aytaj Tapdig (Ahmadova), Natig Javadli, Abzas Media’s Sevinj Vagifgizi, activist Elgiz Gahraman, journalist Minakhanim Aliyarli and others. Most of the bans, the application notes, were imposed without notification.

In a separate communication, the ECtHR also requested observations from the Azerbaijani government on the application of National Council Coordination Board member Gultakin Hajibayli, who alleges violations of Articles 6, 8, 10 and 18 of the Convention after her conversations with diplomats and an international NGO worker were secretly recorded and broadcast on state-aligned television in October 2019.

UN Special Rapporteurs — Two Joint Inquiries

United Nations Special Rapporteurs sent a joint inquiry to the government of Azerbaijan regarding Abzas Media journalists Sevinj Vagifgizi, Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova, demanding explanation of their convictions, conditions of detention, including poorly ventilated cells with water leaks and no air conditioning at Baku Pre-Trial Detention Centre, and their transfer to a remote facility. The Rapporteurs noted that the matter had previously been raised in May 2024 and that earlier government responses had not addressed their concerns. They also recalled documented violence by prison staff against Nargiz Absalamova in March 2025.

In a separate inquiry, Special Rapporteurs Reem Alsalem, Irene Khan and Margaret Satterthwaite demanded answers on the arrest and treatment of journalist Ulviyya Ali (Guliyeva), citing possible violations of Articles 7, 9, 10, 14 and 19 of the ICCPR and of CEDAW.

TOFIG YAGUBLU — TRIALWATCH “D” GRADE & SUPREME COURT REFUSAL

Clooney Foundation for Justice Trial Report

In April, the Clooney Foundation for Justice’s TrialWatch initiative published its fairness report on the prosecution of opposition politician and journalist Tofig Yagublu. The report, prepared by Charline Yim, Marryum Kahloon and Carolyn Ye of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and assessed by Professor Darryl Brown of the University of Virginia School of Law, assigns the trial a grade of “D.”

The report finds that the 2023–2025 prosecution, which followed 452 days of pretrial detention and culminated in a nine-year sentence, violated international fair-trial standards under Articles 6 and 18 of the European Convention on Human Rights and the ICCPR. Yagublu was held throughout proceedings in a glass cabin that prevented confidential consultation with counsel; notes he tried to pass to his lawyers were confiscated and read by guards. The court delivered the verdict five minutes after his closing statement, after a seven-and-a-half-month trial.

“The fair trial violations in this case support the conclusion that Mr. Yagublu’s prosecution amounted to an abuse of judicial process reflecting an improper ulterior motive to hinder and deter his activities as a journalist and opposition leader.”

— Prof. Darryl Brown, University of Virginia School of Law, CFJ TrialWatch report

Supreme Court Keeps Yagublu in Detention

On the same day, the Supreme Court rejected Yagublu’s appeal in his absence, as he was not brought to the courtroom. Presiding Judge Ilgar Gilijov dismissed the cassation. Yagublu’s daughter Nigar Hazi stated publicly that the judge had “executed the order from the Presidential Administration.” Tofig Yagublu was arrested in December 2023 on charges of fraud and document forgery, which he denies.

JOURNALISTS BEHIND BARS: THREE CASES ADVANCE

Abzas Media — Supreme Court Rejects Cassation

The Supreme Court refused to release the Abzas Media journalists, upholding their lengthy prison sentences. The female defendants — Sevinj Vagifgizi, Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova — were absent from the courtroom and represented by counsel. Lawyer Rasul Jafarov was unable to attend in person and submitted his motion in writing.

Defendant Hafiz Babali told the court that, after 28 months in pretrial and post-conviction detention, he had been unable to draw his pension, his bank cards had been blocked, and that he was being denied funds needed for medical treatment. He requested acquittal and the prosecution of those who had ordered his initial detention.

International press-freedom bodies condemned the ruling. RSF’s Press Officer at Germany Section, Alena Stroj called it “arbitrary and unjust,” noting that at least 25 media workers are now imprisoned in Azerbaijan, 24 of them on currency-smuggling charges. The International Press Institute (IPI) called the ruling part of the regime’s long-term plan “to destroy press freedom and independent journalism.” The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), through Europe and Central Asia coordinator Gulnoza Said, demanded the immediate release of all detained journalists.

“The authorities may think they have driven the final nail into the coffin of independent media. They are openly afraid of reporting on high-level corruption. Foreign governments must put press freedom and the release of jailed journalists at the centre of their dealings with Baku.”

— Gulnoza Said, CPJ Europe & Central Asia Programme Coordinator

Meydan TV — Libre Says Pre-Trial Detention Centre Confiscated His Files

During an April hearing in the Meydan TV case, journalist Nurlan Libre (Gahramanli) shouted from the glass cabin that the director of the Baku Pre-Trial Detention Centre, Elnur Ismayilov, had confiscated his copy of the indictment, leaving him unable to prepare his defence. He was prevented from completing his statement and observers were ordered out of the courtroom. The hearing was adjourned to 1 May due to the absence of his lawyer Javad Javadov. The Meydan TV case opened in December 2024 with the arrests of Ramin Deko, Aynur Ganbarova (Elgun), Aysel Umudova, Aytac Ahmadova (Tapdig), Khayala Aghayeva, Natig Javadli and civil-society activist Ulvi Tahirov.

Toplum TV — Witnesses Recant, Defence Motions Refused

In the Toplum TV case, a witness called by the prosecution told the court he had signed the police protocol without reading it. At a subsequent hearing, the judge defended a witness whose testimony favoured the defendants and rejected all defence motions. Detained journalists Farid Ismayilov, Mushfiq Jabbarov, Alasgar Mammadli and Yoldash Media’s Ahmad Mammadli remain in pretrial custody.

DETENTION CONDITIONS, HEALTH & ILL-TREATMENT

Amnesty International on Bahruz Samadov

In April, Amnesty International issued an Urgent Action on academic Bahruz Samadov, who was transferred to Umbaki maximum-security prison in February. Amnesty reports he has been denied prescribed medication for over a month, allowed only two hours per day in a narrow balcony, denied access to television and radio, and held 70 km from his 83-year-old grandmother Zibeyda Osmanova. His appeal against the transfer was rejected; in protest, he began a hunger strike. He has attempted suicide twice while in custody. The Justice Ministry medical team visited him on 27 February but the medication has not been delivered.

In a separate report, The State of the World’s Human Rights, Amnesty International stated that “repression in Azerbaijan is deepening,” documenting more than 300 individuals held on fabricated and politically motivated charges, the closure of BBC Azerbaijani Service and the TURAN news agency, and travel bans imposed without notice on at least 40 civic activists and journalists.

Lankaran Penitentiary — Letter from Elnara Gasimova

AbzasMedia journalist Elnara Gasimova published a detailed account from inside Lankaran Penitentiary Complex, describing food so foul that female inmates routinely cannot tolerate even its smell, take chicken from the prison stew to wash and re-boil, and prepare their own meals from scraps. She also documented denial of basic rights and arbitrary punishments.

Health, Visits and Calls Denied Across the System

On 15 April, journalist Polad Aslanov was transferred from Penal Colony No. 15 to Baku Pre-Trial Detention Centre ahead of a 17 April hearing in his torture complaint at Sabail District Court. Centre director Elnur Ismayilov initially authorised a family visit, then revoked permission; phone calls have also been restricted, with only two short conversations permitted in months despite the legal entitlement to two 15-minute calls per week.

Detained believer Mansur Velishov, held in Umbaki, told his family by phone that visible wounds on his body are spreading and going untreated. “I told the head of the complex my body is rotting; he said it’s not up to me, the order is from above,” he said. Detained believer Elvin Nazarov, who has polyps requiring biannual ultrasound following torture in his first detention, has been refused both in-prison and external medical examination. Detained activist Malik Rzayev at Penal Colony No. 10 reports being held for 17 months in a 20-square-metre cell with 18 inmates, and denied bedding, hygiene products and family contact.

The Penitentiary Service publicly denied allegations that Meydan TV journalists Aytaj Tapdig, Khayala Aghayeva and Aysel Umudova were subjected to violence by officers at Baku Pre-Trial Detention Centre. Detained economist Fazil Gasimov wrote to the Prosecutor General’s Office stating that a document purporting to be his waiver of counsel had been forged; on the basis of that document, investigator Yusif Yusifov had removed both his state-appointed and contract-based lawyers from the case.

On 13 April, Workers Desk trade-union activist Aykhan Israfilov was assaulted at a police facility by deputy chief Kamran Shahsuvarov, who allegedly grabbed him by the neck, forced him to the ground and beat him until he lost consciousness for an hour.

A presidential amnesty act was applied to 18,203 prisoners; according to the Union for Freedom of Political Prisoners of Azerbaijan, only 100 of them are recognised as political prisoners — 96 religious believers and four convicted in the “Imishli case.” Some recently released believers have already been re-arrested.

REPRESSION BEYOND BORDERS & DIPLOMATIC PRESSURE

Afgan Sadigov Deported from Georgia in Breach of ECtHR Rule 39

Overnight on 5 April, Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs deported journalist Afgan Sadigov, fining him 2,000 GEL and banning him from re-entering Georgia for three years. He was handed over to Azerbaijani authorities at the Red Bridge crossing despite an interim measure of the European Court of Human Rights prohibiting his removal to Azerbaijan. After questioning at the Migration Service in Baku, he was released, the criminal case against him in Azerbaijan having been closed. But he warned that “those deported from abroad are usually arrested some time later, not immediately,” citing the precedents of Rashad Ramazanov and others.

VP Vance Raised Mehralizade with Aliyev

In April, RFE/RL President Stephen Capus confirmed on X that the case of detained Azadliq Radiosu economist Farid Mehralizade was raised by US Vice President JD Vance in his 10 February meeting with President Aliyev in Baku. “Our colleague should not have been charged, let alone convicted,” Capus wrote, noting Mehralizade has been detained for nearly two years, missing the birth of his daughter and every day since. “The Azerbaijani leadership has the opportunity to humanely correct this injustice.” Official readouts of the Vance–Aliyev meeting, which produced the US–Azerbaijan Strategic Partnership Charter, did not mention human rights or political prisoners.

US Scholars and Student Organisations Take Up Iqbal Abilov’s Case

Several US-based academic and student organisations launched a campaign for the release of Iqbal Abilov, a Belarusian State University researcher of Talysh and other minority cultures sentenced on 20 May 2025 to 18 years on a treason charge he denies. Abilov was arrested while visiting a relative’s wedding in Azerbaijan and has been denied open contact with family and counsel for over 600 days. Petitioners say his real “offence” is his research and advocacy for ethnic minority rights, including Azerbaijan’s Talysh community.

Abilov himself, in a statement to Meydan TV, called the regime’s state-television smear campaign against him “a desperate attempt by the State Security Service to convince itself that it had run a successful operation,” and disclosed that the lead investigator had offered him a reduced sentence (initially eight years, then three, then one) in exchange for a televised confession.

The European Union added Azerbaijan’s Yelo Bank, chaired by Anar Hasanov, husband of MP Sevinj Fataliyeva, to its sanctions list over links to Russia’s SPFS/FMS financial messaging system. The measure takes effect 14 May 2026.

Caspian Wire is a monthly human rights bulletin produced by Free Voices Collective.