Azerbaijan: Commissioner asks for release of human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists

Strasbourg, November 4th, 2024 – High Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O'Flaherty published a letter addressed to Azerbaijani President Ihlam Aliyev, in which highlighting the current human rights violations in the country, as well as the crackdown against civil society by the authorities, he urges the Azerbaijani administration and government to implement the immediate release of human rights defenders, as well as members of civil society and journalists, currently detained for political reasons in the country. In the letter, O'Flaherty emphasized how these individuals have been arrested for the mere fact of having legitimately criticized the Aliyev regime and that it is therefore necessary for the Azerbaijani authorities to launch an investigation about allegations of ill-treatment of these individuals, as well as to ensure access to adequate defense and medical care for the detainees. He also highlighted the importance of respecting and protecting fundamental freedoms in accordance with the standards of the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. 

In response, the Aliyev regime rejected all charges and accusations, affirming its international commitments, with respect to international law. Furthermore, in its letter to Commissioner O'Flaherty, Azerbaijan pointed out that the individuals detained were arrested on charges of serious crimes, such as money smuggling and similar charges and that no individuals were currently being detained in connection with their profession in the country. However, the President recalled the importance of respect toward legislation in Azerbaijan. Aliyev went on to deny allegations of inadequate legal defense and dismissed allegations of mental and physical mistreatment of detainees by the authorities. To support his argument, the president cited articles of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code and Constitutional Law that guarantee the protection of human rights and severely punish anyone who violates them. The letter also affirms the willingness to respect the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and emphasizes various judicial reforms carried out in the country over the years.