International organizations are once again calling on the Azerbaijani government to release prisoners detained on political grounds immediately.
In a joint report released on October 8 by Human Rights Watch and Freedom Now, these organizations highlight ongoing government actions against critics, independent groups, and media.
The report asserts that these attacks have intensified in the lead-up to the COP29 climate conference, set to commence on November 11. Spanning 74 pages, the report details the government’s systematic efforts to undermine civil society and silence dissent.
According to the findings, “the authorities have imprisoned dozens of individuals on politically motivated and false charges,” while repressive laws have further suppressed independent groups and the media, exposing them to potential criminal prosecution. The report stresses that “Azerbaijani authorities should immediately cease these pressures.”
The document highlights 33 instances of criminal prosecution, detention, and harassment, indicating that the government has deliberately manipulated laws regulating NGOs to deny registration and funding to certain groups, leading to criminal charges against their members.
Giorgi Gogia, Deputy Director for Europe and Central Asia at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the urgent need for the Azerbaijani government to halt its crackdown on civil liberties. He remarked, “The Azerbaijani government’s disregard for civil liberties forces independent groups and critical media into a position of censorship. The government should not present itself in such a negative light ahead of COP29. By releasing jailed critics and ending the misuse of charges against civil society, it can improve its international standing— but immediate action is required.”
The report cites opinions from over 40 Azerbaijani lawyers, relatives of detainees, and representatives from NGOs. It reviews the legal framework governing NGOs in Azerbaijan, relevant legal documents, decisions from the European Court of Human Rights, and other pertinent records.
Additionally, the report notes that Azerbaijani authorities have targeted three independent online news platforms, including AbzasMedia and Toplum TV. Their offices were raided, and sealed, and at least 12 journalists and associates have been arrested. Unregistered groups, labor rights activists, and other critics of government policies have also faced imprisonment.
While some organizations and media outlets have been shut down, others continue to operate despite significant risks. Among the 33 cases documented, individuals faced charges related to money smuggling, illegal entrepreneurship, document forgery, and tax evasion.
The report calls for the government to ensure that independent groups can operate without interference and to repeal oppressive laws affecting their activities. Furthermore, it urges the government to unconditionally release those imprisoned on politically motivated charges. It also recommends that, prior to COP29, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) convey the importance of a thriving civil society for achieving effective climate action.
Amnesty International has echoed these concerns in a statement released on the same day. The organization urged countries to pressure the Azerbaijani government to cease its crackdown on civil society and free those detained for exercising their right to free expression. Anyes Kallamar, the organization’s General Secretary, criticized the ongoing detentions, stating, “At a time when the Azerbaijani authorities are hosting an international conference on climate justice, they are actively attacking the fundamental pillars of climate activism—suppressing critical expression and dismantling local civil society.”
Amnesty International also expressed apprehension regarding potential repercussions for critics during and after COP29, suggesting that those who voice dissent could face severe retaliation once international scrutiny diminishes. The organization is calling on delegations at COP29 to influence the Azerbaijani government to uphold freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
In response to international criticism, Azerbaijani authorities have rejected claims regarding the worsening human rights situation and accused organizations of bias. On October 3, a group of 60 U.S. Congress members urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to advocate for human rights protections in Azerbaijan and the release of political prisoners ahead of COP29. President Ilham Aliyev dismissed these appeals as “ugly” and asserted that they would not impact the Azerbaijani government’s resolve. Following this, 43 members of the Azerbaijani Parliament called for a reassessment of relations with the United States and a review of defense agreements.
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