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Rule 9.2 Communication on the Khadija Ismayilova group of cases v. Azerbaijan (65286/13+)

On 30 October 2025, Free Voices Collective submitted a Rule 9.2 communication to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe regarding the Khadija Ismayilova group of cases v. Azerbaijan. The submission was registered for examination ahead of the Committee’s 1545th Human Rights (DH) meeting in December 2025.

The communication outlines the continued non-execution of several judgments concerning violations of the rights to privacy and freedom of expression, and highlights the absence of meaningful progress by the Azerbaijani authorities since the Committee’s previous review in March 2025.

he communication recalls that the European Court of Human Rights found violations in the cases of journalist Khadija Ismayilova due to the authorities’ failure to protect her private life, investigate threats and illegal surveillance, and ensure an environment enabling her journalistic work. The related cases of Abbasaliyeva and Mursaliyev similarly concern failures to safeguard the applicants’ right to respect for private life.

Our submission stresses that:

  • No effective investigation has been carried out into the threats, secret filming and dissemination of intimate material involving Ms. Ismayilova;

  • Her personal data remains publicly accessible, in contradiction with the Court’s judgment and the Committee’s directions;

  • She continues to face interference and pressure, including a travel ban following the 2024 raid on Toplum TV;

  • No progress has been made toward reopening domestic proceedings in Abbasaliyeva or Mursaliyev, and the payment of just satisfaction in the latter remains pending.

Free Voices Collective calls on the Committee of Ministers to:

Individual measures

  • Ensure an independent and effective investigation into the violations suffered by Ms. Ismayilova;

  • Reopen civil proceedings in Abbasaliyeva;

  • Remove defamatory and privacy-violating content;

  • Lift any remaining restrictions on Ms. Ismayilova’s journalistic activities.

General measures

  • Establish a concrete timeline for structural reforms ensuring prosecutorial and judicial independence;

  • Adopt measures to guarantee the safety of journalists and prevent reprisals for their work;

  • Strengthen safeguards on data protection and privacy;

  • Repeal or amend restrictive laws, including the current Law on Media.

Click here to read the communication: Rule 9.2 Communication on the Khadija Ismayilova group of cases v. Azerbaijan (65286/13+)

See our previous submission on the Mushfig Mammadov and others case.