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Rule 9.2 Communication Muradova Azerbaijan

Rule 9.2 Communication on the case of Mahmudov and Agazade group v. Azerbaijan (Application No. 35877/04).

Communication in accordance with RULE 9.2 of the Rules of the Committee of Ministers regarding the supervision of the execution of judgment the case of Mahmudov and Agazade group v. Azerbaijan (Application No. 35877/04).

This communication is submitted by Free Voices Collective, a non-governmental human rights organization working to advance respect for human rights, to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe regarding the case of Mahmudov and Agazade group v. Azerbaijan (Application No. 35877/04) in accordance with Rule 9(2) of the Rules of the Committee of Ministers for the supervision of the execution of judgments and of the terms of friendly settlements.

The submission, made under Rule 9(2) of the Rules of the Committee of Ministers, highlights ongoing violations of Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and the Azerbaijani authorities’ failure to fully implement the European Court of Human Rights’ judgments.

The Mahmudov and Agazade group of cases involves journalists and media outlets targeted through criminal and civil defamation proceedings, as well as other restrictive laws. The communication details:

  • Continued existence and misuse of criminal defamation laws under Articles 147, 148, and 148-1 of the Criminal Code.

  • Increasing use of non-defamation criminal charges (e.g., smuggling, illegal entrepreneurship) to silence critical media.

  • The restrictive Law on Media, including July 2025 amendments further limiting independent journalism and foreign media access.

  • The Prosecutor General’s Office’s warning powers, used as pre-emptive measures to intimidate journalists and activists.

Free Voices Collective calls on the Committee of Ministers to urge Azerbaijan to:

  • Amend domestic laws to remove prison sentences for defamation and ensure compliance with Article 10 standards.

  • End the practice of targeting journalists through unrelated criminal charges.

  • Limit prosecutorial powers that undermine free speech.

Click here to read the communication: RULE 9.2 of the Rules of the Committee of Ministers regarding the supervision of the execution of judgment the case of Mahmudov and Agazade group v. Azerbaijan (Application No. 35877:04)