Statement by Michel Forst regarding the criminal prosecution and lengthy pre-trial detention of Mr. Anar Mammadli in Azerbaijan

Geneva, October 31, 2024 – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders under the Aarhus Convention, Michel Forst, today issued an urgent statement calling for the immediate release of Anar Mammadli, a prominent Azerbaijani human rights and environmental advocate. Mr. Mammadli has been detained since April 30, 2024, facing pre-trial charges of “smuggling on preliminary arrangement by a group,” widely regarded as unsubstantiated and politically motivated. His detention raises serious concerns about Azerbaijan’s adherence to international human rights standards, particularly Article 3(8) of the Aarhus Convention, which prohibits the penalization of environmental defenders for exercising their lawful rights.

Since the onset of his detention, the UN has raised concerns regarding Mr. Mammadli’s deteriorating health due to limited medical access. Despite official communications sent to the government of Azerbaijan, including a letter of allegation on July 19, 2024, Azerbaijan has yet to take necessary actions to safeguard Mr. Mammadli’s well-being or ensure his timely release. According to Mr. Forst: "Since then, I have been informed that Mr. Mammadli’s health has continued to deteriorate due to limited access to medical care while in detention. This is deeply concerning. The denial of access to medical care while in detention not only violates international law and puts at risk Mr. Mammadli’s long-term health and well-being, but it also serves to further penalize Mr. Mammadli. It therefore in itself could amount to a violation of Article 3(8) of the Aarhus Convention.”

In light of these circumstances, Mr. Forst has urged the government of Azerbaijan to release Mr. Mammadli immediately from pre-trial detention, to ensure all charges against him are dropped, and to provide full compensation for material and non-material harm caused by his unlawful detention. “Pending Mr. Mammadli’s prompt release from pre-trial detention,” Mr. Forst added, “I urge the government of Azerbaijan to provide Mr. Mammadli, as a matter of urgency, with access to the necessary medical care for his health conditions.”

Mr. Mammadli’s advocacy includes co-founding the “Climate of Justice” initiative, which works to advance the principles of the Paris Agreement, sustainable water management, and environmental justice in Azerbaijan. His continued detention, alongside increasing reports of civil society crackdowns, casts doubt on the country’s commitment to upholding human rights as it prepares to host a global climate conference this November.

The Special Rapporteur calls on Azerbaijan to comply with its international obligations, particularly under Article 3(8) of the Aarhus Convention. In addition to demanding Mr. Mammadli’s immediate release from pretrial detention, the Special Rapporteur urges Azerbaijan to drop all charges against him, ensure access to necessary medical treatment, and cease the harassment of other environmental defenders.