Free voices
type: channel
date: 2026-07-12T09:55:37Z
update period: hourly
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items: Caspian Wire | Toplum TV journalists face 13–16 years | June 2026
items: Caspian Wire | Prisoners went on hunger strike | May 2026
items: Caspian Wire | The crackdown on dissent continues | April 2026
items: Georgia bypassed international law to deport Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov
items: Caspian Wire: Heavy Prison Sentences Handed to Civil Society Activists | March 2026
items: Caspian Wire: Hunger strikes, prison abuse, and a letter to Washington | February 2026
items: Detained journalists report abuse during cell search
items: Caspian Wire: Journalists, Activists Face Courts and Custody | January 2026
items: 2025 Human Rights Update – Azerbaijan
items: Caspian Wire: Azerbaijan human rights crackdown| December 2025

Caspian Wire | Toplum TV journalists face 13–16 years | June 2026
type: item
creator: admin
date: 2026-06-30T09:42:51Z
subject: Newsletter
description: 328 political prisoners — new sentences, arrests, PACE resolution dismissed — Caspian Wire June 2026 Caspian Wire Free Voices Collective Azerbaijan human rights monitor June 2026 June 2026 in Azerbaijan saw new sentences, new arrests, new laws, and a PACE resolution dismissed as a “piece of paper.” The number of individuals held on politically motivated […] The post Caspian Wire | Toplum TV journalists face 13–16 years | June 2026 appeared first on Free voices.
encoded: 328 political prisoners — new sentences, arrests, PACE resolution dismissed — Caspian Wire June 2026 Caspian Wire Free Voices Collective Azerbaijan human rights monitor June 2026 June 2026 in Azerbaijan saw new sentences, new arrests, new laws, and a PACE resolution dismissed as a “piece of paper.” The number of individuals held on politically motivated charges stands at 328. Journalists are writing letters from prison, a trade union member is being threatened by prison management, an opposition leader’s defence committee warns of plans against his life. At the same time, the EU signed new partnership documents with Baku and Western energy companies concluded $7.5 billion in contracts with SOCAR. 01 Trials, Sentences, and New Arrests Toplum TV: Prosecutors Demand 13–16 Years Prosecutors formally requested sentences of 13 to 16 years for journalists and media workers in the Toplum TV case. The charges, fabricated financial offences including currency smuggling, are politically motivated and bear no credible relationship to the defendants’ journalistic work. In court on 22 June, Akif Qurbanov, a Democratic Initiatives Institute staff member held in the same case, addressed the judge: “It’s as if, despite Ilham Aliyev’s order, you are going to conduct a fair trial.” Farid Ismayilov, one of the Toplum TV journalists, told the court: “I held out a microphone, not a weapon, to Hikmet Hajiyev.” Ramil Babayev wrote to the Minister of Justice to report that Javid Gulaliyev, deputy chief of the Baku pre-trial detention center, subjects detainees to torture in custody, and that “nobody can stop him.” Rufat Safarov Sentenced to 8 Years On 12 June, Rufat Safarov, executive director of the “Defence Line” human rights organisation, was sentenced to 8 years in prison by Baku Court of Grave Crimes on fabricated charges of bodily harm, fraud, and hooliganism. A former state prosecutor who resigned publicly in 2015, Safarov had dedicated himself to human rights work. Human Rights Watc…

Caspian Wire | Prisoners went on hunger strike | May 2026
type: item
creator: admin
date: 2026-05-31T10:50:51Z
subject: Newsletter
subject: 2025 repression
subject: Abzas Media
subject: Bahruz Samadov
subject: ECtHR
subject: Press freedom
subject: Tofig Yagublu
description: Nurlan Libre beaten in custody, Tofiq Yaqublu hospitalised, 328 political prisoners named, WUF13 meets silent protest — Caspian Wire, May 2026 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Caspian Wire Free Voices Collective Azerbaijan human rights monitor May 2026 This bulletin documents May 2026 in Azerbaijan: a journalist beaten in pre-trial detention, a politician hospitalised and unable to walk, and the […] The post Caspian Wire | Prisoners went on hunger strike | May 2026 appeared first on Free voices.
encoded: Nurlan Libre beaten in custody, Tofiq Yaqublu hospitalised, 328 political prisoners named, WUF13 meets silent protest — Caspian Wire, May 2026 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Caspian Wire Free Voices Collective Azerbaijan human rights monitor May 2026 This bulletin documents May 2026 in Azerbaijan: a journalist beaten in pre-trial detention, a politician hospitalised and unable to walk, and the UN World Urban Forum held in Baku as hunger strikes began inside its prisons. 01 Journalists on Trial World Press Freedom Day On 3 May, World Press Freedom Day, RSF documented a 70-place fall in Azerbaijan’s press freedom ranking over 23 years, from 101st in 2002 to 171st in 2026. Detained journalist Fatima Movlamli marked the day with a reflection written from Baku Pre-Trial Detention Center, 14 months into her imprisonment, titled “Freedom of the press: absent today, present tomorrow?”, a personal meditation on the journalism she could no longer practise. At the 1 May hearing, five detained Meydan TV journalists, Aysel Umudova, Khayala Aghayeva, Aytaj Tapdiq, Ulviyya Ali, and Fatima Movlamli staged a protest. They stood on their chairs and chanted slogans, including “Meydanda da yan-yana, zindanda da yan-yana” (“Together in the square, together in the prison”). Ulviyya Ali delivered a speech marking International Labour Day and commemorating activist Bayram Mammadov, who was found dead in Istanbul in 2021. At the 22 May hearing, Khayala Aghayeva gave a statement naming President Aliyev directly. Judges turned off her microphone. She continued aloud, and the judges left the room. Fatima Movlamli later wrote about the hearing from detention. Sevinj Vagifgizi, sentenced to nine years, was named to a global list of the 10 most important journalists to follow in 2026. Nurlan Libre Beaten in Custody On 2 May, Nurlan Libre (Gahramanli) was attacked by prison guard Ismat Aliyev at Baku Pre-Trial Detention Center. According to his family, the guard first provoked him, then slammed his arms in the door …

Caspian Wire | The crackdown on dissent continues | April 2026
type: item
creator: admin
date: 2026-04-30T16:42:41Z
subject: Newsletter
subject: Abzas Media
subject: Afgan Sadigov
subject: Anar Mammadli
subject: April 2026
subject: Bahruz Samadov
subject: Council of Europe
subject: CPT
subject: ECtHR
subject: Iqbal Abilov
subject: Khadija Ismayilova
subject: PACE
subject: political prisoners
subject: Press freedom
subject: Tofig Yagublu
description: CPT returns to Baku, ECtHR fines Azerbaijan, TrialWatch grades Yagublu trial “D” — Caspian Wire, April 2026 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Caspian Wire Free Voices Collective Azerbaijan human rights related news 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 […] The post Caspian Wire | The crackdown on dissent continues | April 2026 appeared first on Free voices.
encoded: <!-- [if mso]> <xml><o:OfficeDocumentSettings><o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch></o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml> <![endif]--> CPT returns to Baku, ECtHR fines Azerbaijan, TrialWatch grades Yagublu trial “D” — Caspian Wire, April 2026 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Caspian Wire Free Voices Collective Azerbaijan human rights related news 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. 01 Samira Gasimli — 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 husba…

Georgia bypassed international law to deport Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov
type: item
creator: admin
date: 2026-04-08T09:05:25Z
subject: Updates
subject: Afgan Sadigov
subject: Georgia
description: The Afgan Sadigov deportation case unfolded on the night of April 4, 2026, when the Azerbaijani investigative journalist was detained in Tbilisi, Georgia, and deported to Azerbaijan within hours of a late-night court hearing. This event has triggered a severe legal and diplomatic crisis, raising allegations that Georgian authorities, in coordination with Baku, deliberately circumvented […] The post Georgia bypassed international law to deport Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov appeared first on Free voices.
encoded: The Afgan Sadigov deportation case unfolded on the night of April 4, 2026, when the Azerbaijani investigative journalist was detained in Tbilisi, Georgia, and deported to Azerbaijan within hours of a late-night court hearing. This event has triggered a severe legal and diplomatic crisis, raising allegations that Georgian authorities, in coordination with Baku, deliberately circumvented binding interim measures issued by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). While officially framed as an administrative deportation for “insulting a police officer,” legal experts and human rights organizations characterize the operation as a politically motivated “rendition” designed to silence a critic of the Azerbaijani regime and undermine Georgia’s international legal obligations. The case unfolded with unusual speed, suggesting a pre-orchestrated sequence of events. A. Sadigov, who had been under ECtHR interim measures since early 2025 barring his extradition to Azerbaijan, was released from pre-trial detention in April 2025 on bail with a travel ban. Later in October 2025, he was sentenced to 14 days of administrative detention by the Tbilisi City Court, and charged with blocking a roadway during a protest held in front of Parliament on October 18. However, a critical shift occurred in early April 2026. The Afgan Sadigov deportation as a pre-orchestrated sequence On April 1, the Azerbaijani government abruptly halted criminal proceedings against A. Sadigov, a move his lawyers suspect was a tactical maneuver to remove the formal basis for extradition, thereby allowing Georgia to bypass the ECHR’s specific prohibition on On April 2–3, following the halt of Azerbaijani proceedings, Georgian courts lifted A. Sadigov’s bail and travel restrictions. On April 4, A. Sadigov was detained at approximately 23:00 by plainclothes officers in Tbilisi. Within hours, a Tbilisi City Court judge ordered his deportation and a three-year entry ban based on an administrative charge of “insulting…

Caspian Wire: Heavy Prison Sentences Handed to Civil Society Activists | March 2026
type: item
creator: admin
date: 2026-04-01T13:07:33Z
subject: Newsletter
description: Caspian Wire Free Voices Collective Azerbaijan human rights related news MARCH 2026 March 2026 was defined by two parallel crises: an accelerating crackdown inside Azerbaijan, with heavy sentences against journalists, activists, and opposition figures, and an external shock when Iranian drones struck the Nakhchivan exclave on March 5, pulling the country into the widening regional […] The post Caspian Wire: Heavy Prison Sentences Handed to Civil Society Activists | March 2026 appeared first on Free voices.
encoded: <!-- [if mso]> <xml><o:OfficeDocumentSettings><o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch></o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml> <![endif]--> Caspian Wire Free Voices Collective Azerbaijan human rights related news MARCH 2026 March 2026 was defined by two parallel crises: an accelerating crackdown inside Azerbaijan, with heavy sentences against journalists, activists, and opposition figures, and an external shock when Iranian drones struck the Nakhchivan exclave on March 5, pulling the country into the widening regional conflict. This bulletin documents both, drawing on verified reporting from independent Azerbaijani media and international human rights organizations. 01 Nine Women Journalists Behind Bars on Women’s Day As the world marked International Women’s Day on 8 March, nine women journalists in Azerbaijan were spending it in prison — jailed on spurious charges for their independent reporting. The Norwegian Helsinki Committee published a dedicated report on 9 March documenting their cases and calling for their immediate release. The Nine Women Azerbaijan ranked 167th out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2025 Press Freedom Index — the highest number of politically motivated journalist imprisonments since independence. At least 25 media workers are currently jailed or under investigation. Name Age Outlet Sevinj Vagifgizi 37 Abzas Media Nargiz Absalamova 28 Abzas Media Elnara Gasimova 30 Abzas Media Aynur Elgunash 51 Meydan TV Aytaj Ahmadova 33 Meydan TV Aysel Umudova 34 Meydan TV Khayala Aghayeva 29 Meydan TV Fatima Movlamli 26 Freelance Ulviyya Ali 33 Freelance Several detainees suffer from serious health conditions and are being denied adequate medical care. The case of Aynur Elgunash is particularly alarming. She has a disablity, has undergone multiple surgeries, and requires ongoing treatment unavailable in detention. Amnesty International confirmed in February that at least three Meydan TV journalists are being denied urgently needed medical care. Fatima Movlamli: “Freedom —…

Caspian Wire: Hunger strikes, prison abuse, and a letter to Washington | February 2026
type: item
creator: admin
date: 2026-03-02T13:35:04Z
subject: Newsletter
description: Journalists on hunger strike, political detentions escalate, and 18 prisoners write to Trump — Caspian Wire, February 2026 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Caspian Wire Free Voices Collective Azerbaijan human rights related news FEBRUARY 2026 This bulletin documents intensifying repression in Azerbaijan: journalists held in deteriorating conditions, expanded charges against the opposition, and a wave of detentions as […] The post Caspian Wire: Hunger strikes, prison abuse, and a letter to Washington | February 2026 appeared first on Free voices.
encoded: <!--[if mso]> <xml><o:OfficeDocumentSettings><o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch></o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml> <![endif]--> Journalists on hunger strike, political detentions escalate, and 18 prisoners write to Trump — Caspian Wire, February 2026 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Caspian Wire Free Voices Collective Azerbaijan human rights related news FEBRUARY 2026 This bulletin documents intensifying repression in Azerbaijan: journalists held in deteriorating conditions, expanded charges against the opposition, and a wave of detentions as international scrutiny grew ahead of US Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Baku. 01 Journalists Targeted Through Courts and Custody Meydan TV Case On 4 February, journalist Nurlan Libre (Gahramanli) announced he would refuse to attend the 6 February hearing, citing the prosecution’s failure to respond to his complaint about violence at a prior session. He had self-harmed at the 22 December hearing in protest and was subsequently held in solitary confinement for two days. On 6 February, Libre was kept in a separate glass booth from the other eleven defendants. His lawyer Javad Javadov requested urgent medical attention after 21 days on hunger strike. After examination he was moved to join his colleagues, though his handcuffs were not removed. He stated he would continue his hunger strike “until the last jailed journalist colleague is freed.” “I will continue [hunger strike] until the last journalist is freed.” — Nurlan Libre, Meydan TV journalist, on hunger strike On 10 February, Libre’s wife Asli Alizadeh reported he had been dragged to court in handcuffs without time to dress, was severely emaciated, and threatened suicide if the abuse continued. “The first time I saw him through the glass I didn’t recognise him — he is skin and bone.” On 3 February, detained journalist Ulviyya Ali (Guliyeva) was announced as the winner of the Free Press Unlimited “Most Resilient Journalist” award at the Free Press Awards 2025, while continuing to report on h…

Detained journalists report abuse during cell search
type: item
creator: admin
date: 2026-02-23T10:53:06Z
subject: Updates
description: Abuse of detained journalists in Baku was reported on 18 February 2026, when Aytaj Ahmadova (Tapdig), Aysel Umudova and Khayala Aghayeva stated that they were subjected to physical and verbal violence during a cell search at Baku Pre-Trial Detention Centre No. 1. The abuse was reportedly committed by approximately 10 detention officers led by Deputy […] The post Detained journalists report abuse during cell search appeared first on Free voices.
encoded: Abuse of detained journalists in Baku was reported on 18 February 2026, when Aytaj Ahmadova (Tapdig), Aysel Umudova and Khayala Aghayeva stated that they were subjected to physical and verbal violence during a cell search at Baku Pre-Trial Detention Centre No. 1. The abuse was reportedly committed by approximately 10 detention officers led by Deputy Warden Javid Gulaliyev. According to their account, male officers were present during the search despite regulations prohibiting their presence in women’s cells. When the journalists objected to the manner of an irregular search, officers used force, twisting their arms behind their backs, pressing their necks downward, and dragging them on the ground from the cell. One officer reportedly forced open a restroom door while Aysel Umudova was inside. The journalists state that they were insulted, threatened and restrained by multiple staff members. Khayala Aghayeva sustained visible injuries to her wrist and hand, and Aytaj Tapdig was reportedly held alone in the exercise yard for approximately 30 minutes. The incident was captured on corridor surveillance cameras that stream to the office of the detention centre director. The journalists state that the search appeared to be retaliatory, following protests they had made during recent court hearings. They report being warned that similar searches may take place weekly. BACKGROUND Since November 2023, the Azerbaijani authorities have arbitrarily detained nearly 30 journalists and other media workers, as they stepped up their crackdown on independent voices and all dissent in the country. At least 12 of those detained since 6 December 2024 are journalists and media workers linked to Meydan TV, the Baku School of Journalism and other independent media outlets, as part of a single criminal case. On 6 December 2024, Meydan TV journalists Aynur Ganbarova (Elgunash), Aytaj Ahmadova (Tapdig), Khayala Aghayeva, Aysel Umudova, Ramin Jabrailzadeh (Deko) and Natig Javadli were detained,…

Caspian Wire: Journalists, Activists Face Courts and Custody | January 2026
type: item
creator: admin
date: 2026-01-30T14:00:15Z
subject: Newsletter
subject: Azerbaijan
subject: human rights
subject: Press freedom
description: Journalists Targeted Through Courts and Custody On January 5, the Baku Court of Grave Crimes held a hearing in the Toplum TV case. Defendants said the prosecution improperly treats foreign travel as evidence of smuggling and renewed objections to the judicial panel. The court agreed to seek information on a vehicle purchased abroad by journalist Mushfig Jabarov that could not clear customs after […] The post Caspian Wire: Journalists, Activists Face Courts and Custody | January 2026 appeared first on Free voices.
encoded: Journalists Targeted Through Courts and Custody On January 5, the Baku Court of Grave Crimes held a hearing in the Toplum TV case. Defendants said the prosecution improperly treats foreign travel as evidence of smuggling and renewed objections to the judicial panel. The court agreed to seek information on a vehicle purchased abroad by journalist Mushfig Jabarov that could not clear customs after his detention; proceedings were set to continue on 7 January. On January 12, the same court continued the Toplum TV proceedings, examining search protocols alleging the discovery of cash. Defense lawyers said evidence was planted. Co-founder Alasgar Mammadli reported worsening health and said court-ordered medical checks had not been implemented; a doctor was called after the session. On January 19, the Baku Court of Grave Crimes rejected renewed requests for house arrest by Toplum TV co-founder Alasgar Mammadli. The court screened video footage from a search of Ruslan Izzatli’s home, where authorities claim €4,800 was found. Izzatli said the money was planted. Defendant Farid Ismayilov asked the court to summon media executives over alleged publication of investigative materials. Proceedings were adjourned to February 2. In the Meydan TV case, journalist Nurlan Gahramanli (Libre) allegedly self-harmed during a 22 December court hearing, according to his spouse. On 23 January, she said his condition worsened after a hunger strike begun on 16 January; no medical examination was confirmed. On January 29, the Baku Court of Grave Crimes granted Shamshad Agha three days’ temporary leave from detention to attend his mother’s funeral in Lerik region. Human Rights Defenders and Activists Under Prosecution On January 23, the Baku Court of Appeal upheld the extension of pre-trial detention for lawyer Zabil Gahramanov, whose legal practice was suspended by the Bar Association. On January 22, the trial of election monitor Mammad Alpay opened, with the court denying defense motions for h…

2025 Human Rights Update – Azerbaijan
type: item
creator: admin
date: 2026-01-29T09:50:24Z
subject: Updates
subject: 2025 repression
subject: Azerbaijan
subject: human rights
description: Throughout 2025, authorities in Azerbaijan continued and consolidated a systematic crackdown on civic space, affecting independent media, civil society, political opposition, academics, labour activists, and religious communities. The year was marked by the routine criminalisation of journalism and civic activism through spurious “economic crimes,” tax offences, smuggling charges, and allegations of extremism or threats to […] The post 2025 Human Rights Update – Azerbaijan appeared first on Free voices.
encoded: Throughout 2025, authorities in Azerbaijan continued and consolidated a systematic crackdown on civic space, affecting independent media, civil society, political opposition, academics, labour activists, and religious communities. The year was marked by the routine criminalisation of journalism and civic activism through spurious “economic crimes,” tax offences, smuggling charges, and allegations of extremism or threats to constitutional order. Independent media outlets were subjected to arrests, aggravated charges, prolonged pre-trial detention, prison transfers, and, in several cases, lengthy prison sentences. Pre-trial detention was used extensively and punitively, often extended repeatedly without individualized judicial reasoning, alongside administrative detention for peaceful protest and expression. Serious concerns regarding ill-treatment and denial of medical care in detention persisted, including reports of beatings, solitary confinement, hunger strikes, and at least one death in custody under contested circumstances. Fair trial guarantees were systematically undermined, with reports of closed or restricted hearings, bans on audio and video recording, pressure on witnesses, civil claims filed by state bodies during criminal proceedings, and courts’ routine dismissal of defence motions. Political opposition, particularly members and leadership of the Popular Front Party and the National Council, faced arrest, prolonged detention, travel bans, administrative detention, workplace retaliation, and renewed criminal investigations. Freedom of religion or belief was restricted through arrests of religious activists, including women detained for religious charity activities and protest, as well as harsh treatment of Muslim Unity Movement–affiliated prisoners. Transnational repression intensified, including in-absentia trials of exiled journalists and bloggers, travel bans imposed on relatives, and deportation or extradition risks for critics abroad. Surveillance a…

Caspian Wire: Azerbaijan human rights crackdown| December 2025
type: item
creator: admin
date: 2025-12-30T14:00:28Z
subject: Newsletter
description: 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 post Caspian Wire: Azerbaijan human rights crackdown| December 2025 appeared first on Free voices.
encoded: 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) a…