In a major setback for anti-corruption efforts in Azerbaijan, Transparency International (TI) has announced the suspension of its activities in the country due to increased government restrictions.

The global anti-corruption watchdog cited “unfavorable working conditions and government interference” as key reasons behind its decision. The move follows years of mounting pressure on independent organizations in Azerbaijan, where the Aliyev government has been accused of suppressing transparency efforts.

According to TI, Azerbaijan ranks among the worst-performing countries in terms of corruption and lack of government accountability. The decision to suspend operations is expected to further hinder efforts to combat corruption, raising concerns among local and international observers.

This development comes amid a broader crackdown on NGOs, activists, and independent journalists, signaling a decline in Azerbaijan’s democratic standards.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev addressed the 12th Global Baku Forum on March 13, 2025, sharing his perspectives on global stability and the evolving international order. Aliyev noted that the world has entered a phase of significant transformation, with new rules and regulations being established.​euronews.com

He expressed skepticism about achieving global stability in the near future, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. Aliyev emphasized the importance of adaptability and resilience in navigating these changes, highlighting Azerbaijan’s role in regional stability and cooperation.​

The forum gathered leaders and experts from around the world to discuss pressing global issues, including security, economic

In a recent development following the finalization of the draft peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 14, 2025. During the call, Pashinyan informed Putin about the finalized draft and discussed the next steps toward its implementation.​reuters.com

Russia has historically played a mediating role in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, maintaining close ties with both Armenia and Azerbaijan. The briefing underscores Russia’s continued involvement and interest in ensuring stability in the South Caucasus region.​

The finalized peace agreement aims to resolve longstanding issues and establish a framework for peaceful coexistence. While details of the conversation between Pashinyan and Putin have not been fully disclosed, it is expected that Russia will continue to support the peace process and assist in its successful implementation.​aljazeera.com

Elnur Mammadov, who faced charges with him, has been sentenced to 8 years in prison.

The final hearing of the criminal case involving Tofig Yagublu, a member of the Musavat Party and the National Council’s Coordination Center, and Elnur Mammadov, who faced charges alongside him, was conducted.

Today, at the Baku Court of Serious Crimes, presided over by Judge Elnur Nuriyev and with judges Azar Taghiyev and Kamran Mukhtarov in attendance, Tofig Yagublu delivered his final statement.

In his final statement, the political activist revealed that four criminal cases had been initiated against him, with the previous three trials resulting in guilty verdicts and subsequent sentences.

“I firmly assert that all these criminal and administrative charges are as relevant to Ilham Aliyev personally, to those who present themselves as judges here, to the person who claims to speak as the state prosecutor, to the court clerk, and to those sitting in this hall, as they are to me. All the accusations are entirely fabricated, are directly tied to my role as an opposition politician.” he said in his final statement.

The court subsequently delivered its verdict, sentencing Tofig Yagublu to 9 years in prison and Elnur Mammadov to 8 years.

The state prosecutor had requested that Tofig Yagublu be sentenced to 10 years, and Elnur Mammadov to 9 years.

Tofig Yagublu was arrested on December 14, 2023. He faced charges under the Criminal Code articles 178.3.2 (Fraud – committed in a manner causing significant damage), 320 (Forgery of official documents, state awards, seals, stamps, forms; illegal production, sale, or use of counterfeit documents), 320.1 (Forgery or illegal production of documents or other official papers with the intention of using them for granting rights or exemptions, or selling such documents, as well as the production or sale of counterfeit state awards, stamps, seals, or forms of the Republic of Azerbaijan), and 320.2 (Using knowingly forged documents as specified in article 320.1).

According to the charges, a person named Elshan Huseynov gave 25,000 euros and 10,000 manats to Tofig Yagublu through Elnur Mammadov to go to Germany and obtain citizenship there.

Tofig Yagublu denied these charges, stating that they were fabricated and that he had not taken a single manat from anyone.

The politician stated that he never had such a conversation with Elshan Huseynov or Elnur Mammadov and claimed that they were involved in the case for subversive purposes.

During the investigation, Elnur Mammadov was involved as a suspect. He was charged under articles 178 (fraud) and 320 (forgery and use of forged documents). A detention order was also issued for him.

Throughout his political career, Tofig Yagublu has been subjected to administrative and long-term imprisonment multiple times.

In 2013, he was arrested for organizing protests in Ismayilli and sentenced to 5 years in prison. He was released under a pardon decree in 2017. Later, on March 22, 2020, he was arrested on charges of hooliganism. It was alleged that he caused a car accident near the “8th Kilometer Market,” then insulted and injured the driver and his wife. He was sentenced to 4 years and 3 months in prison by the Nizami District Court.

Immediately after the verdict, on September 2, 2020, Tofig Yagublu declared a hunger strike in protest of what he described as judicial injustice. He continued the strike for 17 days. Due to his deteriorating health, he was transferred from the investigation detention facility to a clinic. On September 18, the Baku Court of Appeals decided to place him under house arrest. On July 15, 2021, the Baku Court of Appeals replaced his 4 years and 3 months sentence with a suspended sentence.