The International Coalition for Democratic Renewal (ICDR) and Forum 2000 Foundation expressed grave concerns over the escalating repression of civil society in Azerbaijan, issuing a joint statement. The groups highlighted the government's intensified crackdown on lawyers, journalists, activists, and human rights defenders, painting a stark picture of a country where dissenting voices are systematically silenced.
According to ICDR, Azerbaijan has been employing tactics such as fabricated charges, arbitrary detentions, and judicial harassment, resulting in a state of paralysis within civil society. The coalition estimates that there are currently over 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijan, many of whom face harsh conditions, including mistreatment and violence.
Prominent figures such as Anar Mammadli, Bahruz Samadov, Akif Gurbanov, and Gubad Ibadoghlu are among those targeted, but the repression extends far beyond these well-known names. Despite mounting international criticism from the Council of Europe and the United Nations, Azerbaijan has shown little inclination to heed calls for reform.
The statement from ICDR comes ahead of the COP29 summit in Baku, an event that the Azerbaijani government is using to project an image of stability and progress. "While the government showcases its commitment to global climate action, it continues to ignore its obligations under international human rights law," the groups noted.
The ICDR and Forum 2000 are demanding the unconditional release of all political prisoners, urging the Azerbaijani authorities to align domestic legislation with international human rights standards and to cooperate fully with monitoring mechanisms of the UN and Council of Europe.
The groups also called on the international community, including the EU and the United States, to use the COP29 discussions as an opportunity to raise awareness about human rights abuses in Azerbaijan. They urged delegates to publicly advocate for the release of political prisoners and condemn the ongoing silencing of opposition voices.
The statement concluded with a plea for solidarity with the victims of repression and a call for concrete actions to ensure accountability and uphold democratic principles in Azerbaijan.
Social
-
The Times Higher Education (THE), a leading international organization with an audience of 60 million and ranked among the world's top 100 networks in the field of education and skills assessment, has published a comprehensive article titled “Calls for the Release of Azerbaijani Scholar as Climate Summit Begins.” THE, known for its annual ranking of world universities, notes that while a major fossil fuel producer hosts a gathering of global leaders, it is cracking down on dissenters. Human rights groups are urging the Azerbaijani government, which is hosting the COP29 climate conference, to release a scholar detained after criticizing fossil fuel policies.
-
On Thursday, overcast weather is expected in the capital will be overcast, with light rain possible in the morning. There will be a moderate southeast wind. The temperature at night will be between +8 and +10°C, and during the day, it will range from +12 to +15°C. Humidity will be 65-75% both at night and during the day. Precipitation will occur in the eastern part of the country. There may be fog in some areas, with a moderate east wind.
-
On November 12, the summit of world leaders commenced at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Baku. According to "Euronews," citing sources from the UN, the event is attended by around 100 heads of state.
-
On Wednesday, rain is expected in the capital during the night and morning hours. The northeast wind will change to the southeast in the afternoon. The air temperature at night will be +7 to +9°C, and during the day, it will reach +10 to +12°C. Humidity will be 70-75% at night, and 60-65% during the day.
Leave a review