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April 29, 2025 – Azerbaijan –
Azerbaijan is under mounting international pressure to release journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society activists detained in a recent crackdown on dissent. Amnesty International and the Council of Europe have both issued urgent appeals, citing politically motivated charges and a deteriorating environment for free expression.
According to Amnesty International, the Azerbaijani government has intensified its repression of critical voices, particularly following the announcement that Baku would host the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29). Since then, over a dozen journalists and activists have been arrested or forced into exile, with independent NGOs being arbitrarily shut down. These actions are seen as part of a broader effort to silence dissenting opinions and suppress freedom of expression.
In a statement dated April 29, 2025, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, expressed deep concern over the criminal proceedings against Anar Mammadli, a prominent human rights defender. Mammadli has been in detention for a year, facing charges of currency smuggling, tax evasion, illegal entrepreneurship, and forgery. The Commissioner noted that dozens of other human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society activists are also imprisoned for their legitimate work or for expressing dissenting opinions. He called on Azerbaijani authorities to release these individuals and drop the charges against them.
The international community has also taken note of these developments. During the COP29 climate talks in Baku, Europe’s top human rights official highlighted the issue, questioning Azerbaijan’s commitment to human rights amidst the summit. This underscores the growing concern over the country’s human rights record on the global stage.
The situation in Azerbaijan reflects a broader pattern of suppressing dissent and curtailing civil liberties. Human rights organizations continue to advocate for the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals detained for exercising their fundamental rights. As international scrutiny intensifies, the Azerbaijani government faces increasing pressure to uphold its commitments to human rights and democratic principles.
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