Peace activists become new target of year-long crackdown on dissent 

In late August, Azerbaijani authorities arrested Bahruz Samadov, a researcher and political analyst, on charges of treason. Samadov, known for his advocacy of peaceful relations with Armenia and his critical writings on government policy, faces up to 20 years or life in prison if convicted. On August 28, the Baku Court of Appellate kept him under custody.  Bakhruz Samedov, during his court hearing, asserted his innocence, emphasizing that he is a staunch advocate for peace and has consistently opposed war and the loss of human life. Pro-government media have since circulated smear campaigns against Samadov, seeking to undermine his reputation.

His arrest, part of a broader crackdown on government critics ahead of the September 1 parliamentary elections, has drawn widespread condemnation from international human rights organizations and academic communities, including Charles University, where Samadov is a PhD candidate. Human rights advocates and observers have denounced Samadov’s arrest as politically motivated, linking it to his critical articles on Azerbaijan’s Nagorno-Karabakh policies and his connections with Armenian activists. Several other activists and journalists close to Samadov were also detained and released in the days following his arrest, including journalist Samad Shikhi, researcher Javidan Aghayev and lawyer Fariz Namazli. Samad Shikhi and Javidan Aghayev were detained at the airport and followingly were informed of travel bans. Samadov’s arrest also follows the arrest of another activist and member of the Talish ethnic minority in July 2024 – Igbal Aghayev who is also accused of having contacts with Armenians and charged with treason.

International organizations, including Human Rights Watch, the European Union and United States Embassy in Baku, have called for Samadov’s release and expressed concerns over the continued targeting of independent voices in Azerbaijan. Samadov, who has denied the charges, described himself as a peaceful advocate who has never betrayed his country.