Escalating crackdown – Renewed persecution of Civil Society representatives in Azerbaijan
Revival of the 2014 NGO case amid rising anti-USAID sentiment
In early February 2025, Azerbaijani authorities renewed a dormant criminal investigation targeting civil society organizations and their leaders under a case initially opened on April 22, 2014 (Criminal case No. 142006023). This action follows recent policy changes by the Trump administration in the U.S., notably the freezing of USAID funds, accompanied by intensified criticism directed against USAID-funded activities.
The reopened criminal investigation, overseen by the investigation department of the Prosecutor General’s Office, accuses NGOs of violating Azerbaijani law through alleged illegal entrepreneurship, tax evasion, and misuse of authority. Despite partial termination of charges in June 2023 for select NGOs — due to a lack of evidence — the broader criminal investigation has persisted covertly, keeping civil society under constant legal threat.
Recent statements by Azerbaijani authorities
On March 13, 2025, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev openly criticized USAID, accusing the agency of illegal activities in Azerbaijan, including alleged bribery, unauthorized financial operations, and breaches of national law. President Aliyev expressed support for U.S. efforts to curtail USAID’s activities, emphasizing Azerbaijan’s readiness to cooperate with American authorities and provide relevant information.
New arrests and raids against Civil Society representatives
On March 14, 2025, Azerbaijani authorities conducted coordinated home raids and arrests targeting the following civil society representatives:
- Bashir Suleymanli – head of the Institute for Citizens’ Rights
- Mammad Mammadzade (Mammad Alpay) – head of the Election Monitoring Alliance
- Hafiz Hasanov – head of Law and Development Public Union
- Khalid Aghaliyev, a media lawyer and human rights advocate
Following interrogations lasting several hours, Suleymanli and Mammadzade faced charges of forgery, money laundering, and abuse of power. The Binagadi district court immediately ordered both to be placed in pretrial detention for nearly four months. Bashir Suleymanli categorically rejected the charges, denouncing them as politically motivated. If convicted, both face up to 12 years imprisonment.
Aghaliyev and Hasanov were released following questioning, however, authorities seized personal belongings, including Aghaliyev’s mobile phone.
Reports indicate that interrogations concentrated on financial agreements involving USAID, the Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation (affiliated with the German Marshall Fund of the United States), and other embassy-related funding programs.
Broader impact on Civil Society
This recent wave of persecution has effectively paralyzed Azerbaijani civil society. Independent organizations and media outlets have faced systematic dismantling through arrests, asset seizures, forced exile, and pervasive intimidation. Even moderate or government-affiliated organizations find themselves unable to operate freely, severely restricting any remaining civic space.
This situation reflects a broader political strategy, leveraging geopolitical tensions around foreign funding to justify the suppression of independent civil engagement. Observers anticipate further crackdowns, potentially targeting an expanded range of activists, civil society representatives, and affiliated individuals.