Caspian Wire: Journalists punished, activists silenced, courts defied | July 2025
In July 2025, Azerbaijan saw a surge in human rights violations yet again. The government intensified its crackdown on civil society, detaining journalists, restricting religious freedom, and violating human rights. Read full summary.
UNICEF to cease its presence in Azerbaijan starting September 3
The activities of the UNICEF Representative Office in Azerbaijan will be suspended starting from September 3. Irina Mazur, UNICEF’s Regional Chief of Communication for Europe and Central Asia told Azerbaijani outlet Report, “UNICEF will continue its cooperation with partners in Azerbaijan through its regional office and headquarters.” UNICEF started its work in Azerbaijan in 1993. Saja Farooq Abdullah, UNICEF’s Representative in Azerbaijan met with Azerbaijan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov on July 29.
In March, Azerbaijan informed several UN-affiliated organisations—including UNDP, UNHCR, UNFPA, and ICRC—that they must cease operations in the country. ICRC was the first to leave, followed by UNDP , UNFPA, and UNHCR in May.
Two bloggers receive sentences in absentia
On July 28, Imameddin Alimanov, a blogger living abroad, and founder of YouTube channel called “Xalq TV” was sentenced to 7 years on charges of making public calls against the state. In May 2021, a search warrant was issued for the blogger. In March of this year, several other bloggers living abroad, were summoned, all suspects under various crimes the Prosecutor General Office of Azerbaijan alleged they committed. Several have already been sentenced to prison in absentia.
On July 30, another blogger Gabil Mammadov was sentenced to 16 years. The blogger was found guilty of defrauding 10 people between 2015 and 2017, obtaining a total of 29,597 manats from them. He had promised these individuals jobs, social assistance, and pensions.
The official charges also state that Mammadov openly called for terrorism on social media platforms.
Civic Activist Nijat Ibrahim sentenced to 6 and a half years
The civic activist is facing a nine-year sentence on charges of intentional infliction of serious harm and hooliganism. On July 21, the state prosecutor alleged Ibrahim stabbed a man and that his crime was proven. Ibrahim and his lawyer objected to concluding the judicial investigation. They demanded that surveillance footage from the location of the alleged stabbing be obtained and reviewed in court. On July 22, court sentenced Ibrahim to six years and six months.
A rapper gets 30 days in administrative detention
An Azerbaijani rapper who goes by the stage name Epi (Akbar Novruzlu) was sent into 30 days administrative detention on alleged charges of drug possession and minor hooliganism. However reports from Azerbaijani independent media outlets suggest the rapper’s arrest was based on his freestyle rap battle during which the rapper allegedly made politically charged remarks.
Human rights defender and son questioned, house searched
On July 17 Azerbaijani human rights advocate Zafar Ahmadov and his son Fuad Ahmadli were taken in for interrogation at the the General Prosecutor’s Office. The house where both live was also searched, and all electronic devices reportedly confiscated. Zafar Ahamdov is a co-founder of the Defense Line established in 2019. One of its other co-founders, Rüfət Səfərov, is currently in pretrial detention on bogus smuggling charges awaiting court decision.
Fuad Əhmədli, is a former activist with the opposition Popular Front Party. He was arrested in August 2016 and sentenced to four years in prison. He was released upon completing his sentence in August 2020.
European court rules Azerbaijan violated rights of cleric and journalist
On July 15, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) delivered rulings in two cases from Azerbaijan, involving Muslim Unity Movement leader Taleh Bagirzade and journalist Fikrat Ibishbayli (also known as Faramazoglu). Both applicants alleged torture and inhumane treatment during detention—claims Azerbaijani authorities failed to investigate effectively.
Bagirzade, an Islamic theologian and opposition figure, was sentenced to 20 years in prison following the 2015 Nardaran events. He was convicted of plotting to overthrow the government, illegal possession of weapons, and murder—charges he firmly denies.
Journalist Faramazoglu was detained in 2016 by Azerbaijan’s Organized Crime Unit. He was convicted in 2017 on charges of extortion and sentenced to seven years in prison, though he claims the case was fabricated. He was released in 2019 under a presidential pardon.
Based on the court rulings the government of Azerbaijan must pay €10,000 in compensation to Bagirzade and €5,000 in non-pecuniary damages to Faramazoglu. In addition, each must receive a total of €1,000 for legal expenses. The court also set a three-month deadline for the government to comply.
The government of Azerbaijan has a poor track record on implementing the decisions/judgements of the European Court of Human Rights. According to the Department for the Execution of Judgments of the European Court of Human Rights as of July 2025, there are a total of 309 pending court judgements which the government of Azerbaijan is yet comply with.
On July 18 by a regional court decision, Bagirzade was transferred to a high security prison facility after the religious activist protested the prison conditions where he was being held. First Bagirzade was placed in a solitary confinement cell where he remained for up to a month. Shortly after he was transferred to the high security prison.
Azerbaijani activist detained on Interpol search notice
Azer Kazimov, exiled Azerbaijani citizen, living in Sweden was detained in Croatia on July 15, based on an Interpol search notice placed by the government of Azerbaijan. Kazimov has been placed under international search for alleged tax evasion and illegal business activities. Prior to leaving Azerbaijan in 2013, Kazimov was the director of a construction firm, which was contracted in the construction of the Olympic Stadium. The stadium opened shortly before the European Games. According to Kazimov’s family, Kazimov left Azerbaijan after receiving threats from the then-chief of the Organized Crime Department, Mirqafar Seyidov when the businessman attempted to secure remaining payments for his company’s involvement and work in the construction of the stadium. Kazimov acquired Swedish citizenship in 2021. Azerbaijani government’s use of Interpol to target activists and regime critics living abroad, is not new.
Jailed opposition activist placed in solitary confinement in retaliation for criticism
On July 12, jailed member of opposition Popular Front party Elbayi Karimli was placed in solitary confinement at a facility where he is currently serving a prison sentence. According to the information shared by the party representatives, Karimli was reprimanded for criticizing President Ilham Aliyev and the government in front of visiting officials from the Ministry of Justice and the Penitentiary Service. The activist was then reportedly beaten and transferred to a punishment cell. The length of his stay in solitary confinement is currently unknown.
Karimli was arrested in August 2023 after spraying graffiti on the statue of Heydar Aliyev on bogus drug possession charges. In April 2024 the activist was sentenced to six years behind bars.
Activist sentenced to administrative detention
On July 11, Anar Abdullayev, civic activist was arrested and sentenced to 30 days administrative detention on hooliganism and resisting police charges. On July 22, court refused Abdullayev’s appeal.
Abdullayev, is implicated in a criminal case alongside Anar Mammadli, head of the Election Monitoring and Democracy Studies Center (EMDSC). Abdulla faces charges across eight financial crimes, including smuggling. He has been placed under police supervision as a pre-trial measure.
Labor rights activist transferred to high security prison
Labor rights activist Elvin Mustafayev was transferred to high security prison facility as per July 10 court ruling.
Prior to this transfer, Mustafayev was kept in solitary confinement for over a month reportedly in retaliation for a hunger strike he undertook in support of jailed politician Tofig Yagublu.
Court alleged Mustafayev also failed to comply with internal disciplinary rules, engaged in opposition activities, made unsubstantiated complaints, and attempted to inflict self-harm. During the hearing, the activist rejected these claims, calling the allegations a pretext for his transfer. Mustafayev also said he was subjected to pressure and was beaten.
Mustafayev was sentenced to three years in January 2025.
Jailed blogger not allowed to see his family
Jailed blogger Polad Aslanov was prevented from meeting with his family on July 9. The family was told this was due to the prison facility not having the new director.
Previously the blogger’s right to phone conversation and visitation were also violated although the latter was resolved in recent months.
Aslanov was sentenced to 16 years in 2019 on treason charges.
Several NGO leaders’ pretrial detention extended
On July 9 the pre-trial detention for Mammad Alpay, Executive Director of the “Election Monitoring” Alliance; Bashir Suleymanli, head of the Institute of Civil Rights; Asaf Ahmadov, head of the Ganja Regional Community Center; and Zamin Zaki, a social worker, has been extended by an additional three months.
Alpay was detained on March 14. On the same day, Suleymanli, Hafiz Hasanov, head of the “Law and Development” Public Union; and Khalid Aghaliyev, coordinator of the “Media Law” Institute, were also detained. Their apartments were searched. Aghaliyev was later released.
Following their detention Alpay and Suleymanli were sent into 3 months and 28 days pre-trial detention.
Hasanov, was placed under house arrest for a period of 4 months on March 17.
Authorities sentenced Ahmadov, and Zaki to 3 months and 4 days pretrial detention in connection with this case on April 9.
All of them are accused of violating Articles 193-1.3.2 (Legalization of a large amount of criminally obtained property); Article 308.2 (Abuse of official powers, leading to serious consequences); and Article 313 (Official forgery.)
Several other NGO leaders and members involved in this case have been placed under police supervision during the investigation period.
Journalists’ appeals against pre-trial detention extension rejected
On July 9, the Baku Court of Appeals heard the appeal regarding the extension of pre-trial detention for Meydan TV journalist Ramin Deko (Jabrayilzade). The appeal, was denied.
This decision follows the June 24 ruling that extended the pre-trial detention for an additional three months for several journalists associated with Meydan TV: Aynur Elgunesh (Ganbarova), Aytaj Tapdiq (Ahmadova), Ramin Deko (Jabrayilzade), Aysel Umudova, Khayala Agayeva, Natiq Javadli, Shamshad Aga (Agayev), editor-in-chief of “argument.az” and a Meydan TV collaborator; Fatima Movlamli, Ulviyya Ali (Guliyeva) and Nurlan Libre (Gahramanov)
Also among those whose detention was extended is Ulvi Tahirov, a civil society member, though he is not affiliated with Meydan TV. All of these individuals have filed appeals against the decision to extend their detention.
Since late June, various appeals heard by the Baku Court of Appeals concerning these cases have consistently been denied.
Concerns mount over war veteran’s health condition
Family and close contacts are expressing grave concerns about the deteriorating health of Haci Valiyev, a participant in the Second Karabakh War and the former head of the “Young Veterans” Public Union, which has since ceased operations.
His detention period was most recently extended on June 20 by another two months. The next day, Valiyev started a hunger strike. Valiyev stopped the hunger strike on July 23 following pleas from his family and his quickly deteriorating health condition.
Valiyev was first detained on March 31, 2025. He was sentenced to 22 days in pretrial detention in April 1, 2025 on hooliganism and property damage charges. This period was extended by two months on April 18. The veteran denies the charges. If convicted, he is facing a prison sentence of up to five years.
Haci Valiyev is known for his critical posts on social media. He had reportedly been detained and released on previous occasions. He has been particularly active in publicizing the problems faced by veterans who lost their health in the Second Karabakh War and the martyrs’ families.
The “Young Veterans” Public Union was established in 2021 under the “Karabakh Veterans” Public Union. On May 28 of this year, the organization ceased its operations.
Day of Ashura marked by restrictions
On July 6, Ashura Day was observed in Azerbaijan with several mosques implementing significant restrictions on religious ceremonies. The religious day is the tenth day of the sacred month of Muharram in the Islamic calendar, and is a day of mourning and sorrow, particularly for Shia Muslims. This year, the Caucasus Muslims Office (CMO), a government controlled and affiliated institution responsible for religious affairs in the country announced that the day would be observed on July 5 even though for the Shia community, the day fell on July 6. As a result, while some events were held on July 5, none were allowed on the 6th.
The authorities have kept religious freedoms under strict control for many years in Azerbaijan.
For a comprehensive account of religious persecution in Azerbaijan, see the testimony delivered by Arzu Geybulla of the Free Voices Collective during the USCIRF Virtual Hearing on Religious Freedom Conditions in Azerbaijan.
Wolt couriers go on strike only to get questioned by the police
Couriers with Wolt delivery service, announced they were going on strike as of July 8 due to wage cuts. Shortly after, several of the couriers were questioned by the local law enforcement and asked to remove their social media posts.
Political activist prevented from leaving the country – the travel ban was then lifted
On July 7, Araz Aliyev, one of the co-founders of a political movement 3rd Republic was stopped at the airport in the capital Baku and prevented from boarding the flight. Aliyev was taking his mother for medical treatment abroad, and was unaware of a travel ban until he showed up at the airport. His mother was forced to travel alone according to Aliyev’s post on social media recalling what happened at the airport.
Previously, Aliyev was arrested in December 2023, shortly after the III Republic Platform was announced. He was handed a 25-day administrative detention sentence on charges of petty hooliganism and disobeying a lawful police order.
Following his arrest, he was dismissed from his teaching position at Baku State University. According to Aliyev the travel ban was lifted the following day and he was able to leave the country to be with his family.
Imishli residents receive sentences
On July 3, Individuals detained following protests in Imishli—triggered by a fatal traffic accident involving a State Road Police (DYP) vehicle that resulted in three children’s deaths and one injury—have received their sentences.
Five residents were sentenced, with terms ranging from 1 to 4 years and 14 residents received sentences involving restrictions on their freedom, with terms ranging from 1 to 4 years. One individual’s prison sentence was conditionally suspended.
No official information has been provided regarding whether the police officer driving the police vehicle who caused the accident has been held accountable.
Journalists go on hunger strike in solidarity
Several Abzas Media journalists, including Nargiz Absalamova, Elnara Gasimova, and Sevinj Vagifgizi and Ulvi Hasanli were on hunger strike in July. The women journalists joined Hasanli in an act of solidarity when Hasanli decided to start the strike on July 2nd, in protest of inhumane treatment and torture at Baku Investigative Detention Center No. 1. Journalists faced various restrictions including cutting off of phone calls wıth families, placements in solitary confinement, and confiscating of their belongs.
On July 4, Meydan TV journalists Aynur Elgunesh, Aytaj Tapdiq, Khayala Agayeva, and Aysel Umudova and Fatima Movlamli, arrested in connection with the “Meydan TV case,” all joined the hunger strike in support of their colleagues and Abzas Media. While by July 28 Absalamova, Vagifgizi, and Gasimova announced their were stopping the strike, Hasanli continues his hunger strike reportedly already visible signs on his health.
New restrictions for media outlets and NGOs in Azerbaijan
On July 14, the parliament of Azerbaijan adopted amendments to the “Law on Non-Governmental Organizations (Public Associations and Funds)” and the “Law on Combating the Legalization of Criminally Obtained Property and the Financing of Terrorism” (second reading).
The proposed amendments restrict banking and any other financial operations arising from contracts for the provision of services or execution of works funded by unregistered foreign financial sources. Furthermore, providing services or undertaking work under unregistered contracts involving foreign financial sources, or receiving financial or other material assets in connection with such activities, will result in administrative liability in accordance with established procedures.
Meydan TV editor-in-chief Aynur Elgunesh honored with international award
Aynur Elgunesh, editor-in-chief of Meydan TV, has been awarded a prestigious international prize by the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF). Elgunesh was honored from among journalists worldwide in the “Justice for Women Journalists Award” category. This award is presented annually to recognize the courage and professional work of women journalists who have been unjustly imprisoned.
Majlis.info trial continues
On July 1, Imran Aliyev, Elgiz Gahraman and Tamella Musayeva appeared in court for the hearing in the case of majlis.info. Although all three were invited to share their testimonies at the start of the hearing, they refused to do so stating that they would provide their statements after hearing witness testimonies. Only one witness, Elchin Huseynzade testified in court.
According to the indictment, the “meclis.info” was not officially registered in accordance with relevant laws. The defendants are accused of receiving grants from foreign donor organizations, which they then allegedly smuggled into the country. The indictment further alleges that the defendants used forged documents while committing these acts.
The Ganja Regional Tax Department has been recognized as the injured party in the case and has filed a civil lawsuit against the defendants, seeking 61,600 manats in damages.
Imran Aliyev was arrested on April 18, 2023, at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. Initially charged under Articles 206.3.1 (repeat smuggling) and 206.3.2 (smuggling by a group in collusion) of the Criminal Code, he now faces 8 additional charges involving financial crimes and abuse of office. Elgiz Gahraman and Tamella Musayeva were charged in February 2024 as part of the same case and placed under police control.
All three now face a total of eight serious charges that carry prison terms of up to 12 years.
Anar Mammadli’s trial continues
On June 30, the Baku Court of Grave Crimes held a hearing in the case against Anar Mammadli, head of the Election Monitoring and Democracy Studies Center, and public activist Anar Abdullayev.
The court denied a motion for Anar Mammadli’s release to house arrest. Additionally, a motion to exclude evidence, specifically data taken from Anar Mammadli’s phone and computer, from the case materials was also rejected.
Anar Mammadli was detained in April 2024 and is charged under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code (smuggling committed by a group of persons in prior conspiracy).
Public activist Anar Abdullayev is also named as a defendant in the criminal case related to Anar Mammadli. Abdullayev was brought into the investigation concerning Anar Mammadli in April 2025. He faces charges under several articles of the Criminal Code, including smuggling, illegal entrepreneurship, and tax evasion.
Toplum TV trial
July 21 proceedings – in a motion raised by lawyers representing Farid Ismayilov and Alasgar Mammadli to release both men under house arrest due their health condition court rejected the request. According to Toplum TV, the presiding judge alleged neither men have proven with medical records that they suffer from health issues. On July 19, a group of civic activists addressed President Aliyev informing him of Mammadli’s health.
July 14 proceedings – Farid Ismayilov, a journalist detained in connection with the “Toplum TV case,” has raised objections to being transported to court due to deteriorating health. Ismayılov has undergone seven surgeries, six of which were related to heart and lung issues. The journalist was initially placed under police supervision after his arrest on March 6, 2024. However, on January 17, 2025, the Khatai District Court converted his status to pre-trial detention. Lawyer Zibeyde Sadigova confirmed that each transfer to court in inadequate conditions harms Ismayilov’s health. Azerbaijani legislation requires defendants to attend their trials in person. However, Article 51-2 (of the Criminal Procedure Code) allows exceptions in cases of serious health issues or other valid reasons—permitting proceedings to be conducted via videoconference.
July 7 proceedings – During the proceedings, the testimony of Akif Gurbanov, head of the Institute for Democratic Initiatives (IDI), was heard.
Gurbanov began by discussing the history of IDI’s establishment and the training programs conducted to educate young people. He explained his refusal to testify during the investigation by stating that the investigative body prioritized fabricated evidence, which led to his dissatisfaction.
During the same hearing, Farid Ismayilov, an employee of Toplum TV, raised several motions. In one motion, he requested an investigation into articles published in pro-government media that he claimed contained investigative secrets. The judge demanded that he present screenshots of these articles at the next session.
In another motion, the journalist highlighted that the State Tax Service, which appeared as a victim in the previous session, demanding 79,000 manats from those arrested in the “Toplum TV case,” constituted a violation of the Procedural Code. The judge responded that questions could only be addressed to the victim’s side after the accused individuals had completed their testimonies.
Consequently, the judge left the motions unaddressed.
On June 30 Farid Ismayilov, a journalist with Toplum TV, during the trial requested the recusal of judge Elnur Nuriyev, arguing that he had previously issued politically motivated rulings and therefore should not participate in this one. The motion was denied.
Alasgar Mammadli, co-founder of Toplum TV, also submitted a motion. He explained that after his arrest in March 2024, the State Tax Service demanded he declare his income and subsequently fined him. Mammadli stated he was denied access to necessary documents for notarial transactions. The court decided to forward his complaint to the State Tax Service. Ruslan Izzetli, a founding member of the Third Republic Platform, rejected the charges outright. Ali Zeynal, of the Institute for Democratic Initiatives (IDI), called the accusations against them and those in the Abzas Media and Meydan TV cases baseless. Toplum TV video editor Mushfiq Jabbar noted the investigation phase had concluded, yet no solid evidence had been presented. Ramil Babayev, also from IDI, stated he rejected the accusations and would name the real perpetrators in his final statement. Ilkin Amrahov said he did not understand the charges against him, while Farid Ismayilov pointed out that his only “offense” was being unable to complete his reporting while under police surveillance. The State Tax Service, acting as a civil plaintiff, demanded that the defendants pay 79,000 AZN in damages to the state budget. Lawyers Rasul Jafarov, Fakhraddin Mehdiyev, and Ramil Babayev dismissed the claim as unfounded. Babayev noted that demanding the same amount from individuals who worked at different times reveals the political nature of the case.
The next court session is scheduled for August 7.