This report is a publication of the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS), an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting freedom of expression in Azerbaijan. This report has been prepared on the basis of desk-based research, field investigations, interviews, monitoring...

D18 Movement member Gadir Agakishiyev was tortured during the arrest, lawyer Fariz Namazli has reported. During the meeting with his lawyer, Agakishiyev described his arrest. According to Namazli, Agakishiyev received a phone call from Sumgayit City Executive Power saying ‘your hostel is...

> Akif Chovdarov: These people are like hyenas and vultures; > Victim: I have suffered a total damage of AZN 6,322,000. On 27 February, Baku Military Court chairman Habib Hasanov presided over a hearing hosted by Sabunchu District Court on the criminal...

On 27 February, Baku Court of Appeal considered an appeal brought by REAL Movement activist Rahim Shaliyev. The court did not grant the defence’s motions. According to lawyer Yalchin Imanov, the rejected proposals were significant in terms of an objective...

The Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS) is gravely concerned and alarmed by the suppression of the freedom of expression in Azerbaijan. The restrictions on free speech, imprisoning and arresting journalists, bloggers and social media activists under various pretences,...

The health of Rahim Shaliyev, an activist of Sumgayit branch of REAL Movement, has gotten even worse, lawyer Yalchin Imanov reports. According to the lawyer, an ambulance was called for Shaliyev at the temporary detention facility of Sumgayit City Police Department...

Summary: 8th hearing ➢ Defendant Ramil Aliyev answered the public prosecutor’s and the lawyers’ questions; ➢ Defendant Elgun Akhundov and Ali Shahbazov testified about the tortures inflicted upon them. On 24 February, Baku Grave Crimes Court chaired by Judge Mayil Bayramov held another...

Summary: 7th hearing ➢ Operatives of the Main Organised Crime Department (MOCD) Ibrahim Kazimov and Islam Agabayov were questioned at the hearing as a witness. On 24 February, Baku Grave Crimes Court chaired by Judge Eldar Mikayilov held another hearing on the...

On 24 February, Yusif Garayev, a member of the Control and Inspection Commission of Shaki branch of Musavat Party, was arrested on charges of disobedience to a legal requirement of the police. He was sentenced to 25 days of administrative...

➢ Lawyer Elchin Guliyev’s motion to decline to accept the private prosecution complaint about review was not granted; ➢ Mehman Huseynov waived his state-appointed attorney; ➢ Mehman Huseynov’s identity was verified based on a photo. On 24 February, Surakhani District Court chaired by...